Community calendar
Dec. 17
Reading Royals sponsors Miller-Keystone Blood Drive: at Miller-Keystone Blood Center’s Reading Donor Center, 2745A Leiscz’s Bridge Road in Bern Township (1047 Old Bernville Road, Reading). Miller-Keystone issued an urgent appeal for donors of all blood types, and in particular, the O-positive and O-negative. Appointments only in order to accommodate current social distancing recommendations. Wear purple or Reading
Royals gear, and take a ‘selfie’ while donating; post photos on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and tag Miller-Keystone or use the #BleedPurple hashtag. For more information or to schedule a donation, visit GIVEaPINT.org/ reading-royals-drive.
Dec. 19
Free Drive-Thru Community Meal: noon to 1 p.m. at St. Andrew UMC, 611 Swamp Creek Road, Bechtelsville. Follow the signs to the back of the church.
Please wear masks.
Dec. 19
Kutztown Santa Run: Watch for Santa to ride through the neighborhood on a Fire Truck on Dec. 19, starting at 9 a.m. Kutztown Fire & Rescue would like to spread holiday cheer but with changes. This will be a “rolling-route” with no stopping along the way. Candy canes will not be handed out. While a much appreciated gesture, the fire company will not be able to accept plates of cookies and other treats.
Dec. 19
Topton Santa Run: Topton Fire Company and the Brothers of ‘76 bring Santa Clause and his entourage to Topton American
Legion at 4:30 p.m. and make his way through town trying to cover as many streets as possible, finally ending back at the American Legion. This will be a social distance event. Santa will remain on the Fire Truck and will wave as he goes by. For more information, including detailed route, go to https://www.facebook.com/ToptonFire/.
Dec. 19
Ugly Sweater Hike: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton. $10, $5 for Members. Wear your favorite ugly holiday sweater and enjoy a guided hike, seasonal refreshments, and a short program on winter-loving raptors. Registration required at https://hawkmountain.ticketleap.com/winter-ugly-sweater-hike-2020/.
Dec. 20
Santa is coming to Amity Township: Santa will be leaving Monarch Fire Company fire station at 11 a.m. Track Santa via app. Follow Monarch Fire Company on Facebook for more details.
Dec. 20
Santa Fire Truck Ride Through Town: 4 p.m. Santa rides on a fire truck with Union Fire Company No.1 of Hamburg. Follow social distancing measures as you wave to Santa when he passes by. Check the fire company Facebook page for updates on location and route.
Friday through Sunday in December
Holiday Train Excursions: every Friday through Sunday at Colebrookdale Railroad, 64 S. Washington St., Boyertown. The railroad’s award-winning Santa’s Polar Bear Express Trains and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Trains have been reworked this year to be both virusconscious and kid-approved. Santa will be stationed on the open car where children can visit with him as well as give him their wish list. Complimentary hot cocoa and a cookie will be given to all passengers and all children will be gifted a small keepsake item. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas Train and Santa’s Polar Bear Express continue through Dec. 20. From Dec. 26 through Dec. 31, catch the Snowflake Express, For ride times and ticket options, visit colebrookdalerailroad.com or call 610-367-0200.
December to Jan. 2
Carnival of Lights: extended through Jan. 2 at Gilbertsville Area Community Ambulance Service, 91 Jackson Road, Gilbertsville. Event benefits ambulance service. More than 200,000 Christmas lights and figurines. Walk through the Gingerbread Castle. Ride a model train around a 20-foot tall Christmas tree, or ride the Ferris wheel with over 8,000 lights all