Full schedule for Square Christmas festival / By Martha Knight

Traditions are, by definition, old. But don’t tell Christmas on the Square organizer, Pat Bodamer, that. Obviously all of our old traditions were new sometime, he would argue. Like this year’s “first annual” Christmas on the Square event, to be held Thursday evening, December 4.

Come bundled up, Bodamer advises, preferably in a costume or something Christmassy.

Find a good spot for viewing and participating by the 6 p.m. opening remarks by Mayor George Riley, and tree lighting.

The Ooh’s and Ah’s and Oh Wow’s will just have died away when Rev. Mr. Randy Headley pronounces the invocation. Rev. Mr. Mike Culver will give a Christmas reading at 6:10 p.m.

Bodamer will introduce guest musician John Meade. Then, although they are a couple who need no introduction, Keith Fortner will introduce Dolores and Lloyd Eastman as grand marshals.

And that highly anticipated guest, Santa Claus? He will be checking out the best route to Port Allegany and vicinity, to insure that his Christmas Eve trip here will be as smooth as possible. Borough manager Dick Kallenborn has arranged this  preview trip, set for 6:30.

Peg McKervey will see to the dedication of the nativity scene, brand new this year and placed on the Square for optimal viewing from Main Street.

At about 6:50 Denise Distrola will provide a “Hallelujah” background for candle lighting. Sandy Johnson’s Dance Company will take the floor, or the turf, at 7:10.. Elves, led by Bob Shaffer, will sing “The Twelve Days of Christmas”  about 20 minutes later. This will be followed by Elf Musical Chairs, judged by Mike Bodamer, and kids’ musical chairs.

If all goes according to schedule, Dr. Jason Tronetti will recite “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” at 8. Then Matt Lawton will lead the Massive Bunny Hop and Dance Contest, with introduction by Justin Bienkowski.

The winner of the Ugly Sweater Contest, Beth Stauffer, will be introduced at 8:30.

Santa’s House will be on display, where it soon will be open to visitors. This project was sponsored by Close’s Hardware, Johnston’s Hardware, the First National Bank of Port Allegany and the Seneca Highlands Career and Technology Center.

The Lions Club will provide hot chocolate and candy canes. Star Hose Auxiliary will be selling cookies. Bayline Insurance will make sure there is popcorn available. Also there will be some Mistletoe Madness, a visit by alpacas, a table related to Veterans of Foreign Wars, take home crafts, and some Scouts being helpful.

Bodamer expects activities to wind down about 9 p.m.