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Volunteers needed to turn Shamokin into a Christmas wonderland
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SHAMOKIN — Community organizers are looking for volunteers to transform a portion of Shamokin’s downtown district into a Victorian-style Christmas celebration this winter.
The celebration, called “A Downtown Christmas,” was inspired by the holiday efforts of several community members last winter.
Jeannie Konopka turned The Cookie Station Cafe into a warm evening of Christmas music and treats last year, said Jeanne Shaffer, director of The Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities.
“She had children sing and play musical instruments. People could come in for light refreshments and enjoy the evening,” Shaffer said.
Shaffer had visions of a tree decorating contest in the former Newberry’s store on Independence Street and thought the two could join forces.
“I went to her and said, ‘Can’t we tie all this together this year?’”
TLC Tree Farm in Hegins has offered to donate 30 trees for the contest. Individuals and organizations are invited to decorate the trees during designated times in the former Newberry store. The winner of the contest, determined by popular vote, will receive a prize. After the contest, the trees will be donated to needy area families.
Contestants will have to provide their own tree stands and decorations, Shaffer said.
Joe Gallina, who owns Original Italian Pizza in Shamokin, also owns the Newberry store and has donated the building for the event. Shaffer appreciates his generosity.
“He is very willing to do anything to help us,” she said. “He does more for this town than people know, and he deserves recognition.”
While many of the event’s features are in place, there is still much to be accomplished. Shaffer is looking for vendors to enhance the celebration’s theme.
“I’m looking for specific vendors; we want to keep it old-fashioned,” she added.
She’s looking for vendors to sell popcorn, hot chocolate, and roasted nuts and provide horse and carriage rides.
Shaffer also hopes there will be enough space inside the former Newberry store to create a Santa’s workshop where local crafters can create and sell their creations.
“It’ll be something for the people not only to see the trees, but to peruse the store and see the crafters and the crafts.” she said.
So far, the organizers have booked Victorian carolers to stroll the streets, and have asked Beverly’s Flowers to sell small bouquets called tussie mussies, which were popular in the late 19th Century.
They’ve also included other area Christmas traditions.
The celebration is scheduled for Dec. 6, the same night that Santa will ride through the city on a sled sponsored by the Shamokin Rotary Club. After making his rounds, Santa will park his sleigh on Independence Street and visit with children.
The city has granted the organizers permission to block portions of Independence and Eighth streets to traffic from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the event.
Regardless of how big or small “A Downtown Christmas” will be, Shaffer is happy about the community project.
“It thrills me to see the whole community coming together again,” Shaffer said.
For more information, contact Jeanne Shaffer at 648-6772 or 850-9121, or email jeannes@ptd.net.
The celebration, called “A Downtown Christmas,” was inspired by the holiday efforts of several community members last winter.
Jeannie Konopka turned The Cookie Station Cafe into a warm evening of Christmas music and treats last year, said Jeanne Shaffer, director of The Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities.
“She had children sing and play musical instruments. People could come in for light refreshments and enjoy the evening,” Shaffer said.
Shaffer had visions of a tree decorating contest in the former Newberry’s store on Independence Street and thought the two could join forces.
“I went to her and said, ‘Can’t we tie all this together this year?’”
TLC Tree Farm in Hegins has offered to donate 30 trees for the contest. Individuals and organizations are invited to decorate the trees during designated times in the former Newberry store. The winner of the contest, determined by popular vote, will receive a prize. After the contest, the trees will be donated to needy area families.
Contestants will have to provide their own tree stands and decorations, Shaffer said.
Joe Gallina, who owns Original Italian Pizza in Shamokin, also owns the Newberry store and has donated the building for the event. Shaffer appreciates his generosity.
“He is very willing to do anything to help us,” she said. “He does more for this town than people know, and he deserves recognition.”
While many of the event’s features are in place, there is still much to be accomplished. Shaffer is looking for vendors to enhance the celebration’s theme.
“I’m looking for specific vendors; we want to keep it old-fashioned,” she added.
She’s looking for vendors to sell popcorn, hot chocolate, and roasted nuts and provide horse and carriage rides.
Shaffer also hopes there will be enough space inside the former Newberry store to create a Santa’s workshop where local crafters can create and sell their creations.
“It’ll be something for the people not only to see the trees, but to peruse the store and see the crafters and the crafts.” she said.
So far, the organizers have booked Victorian carolers to stroll the streets, and have asked Beverly’s Flowers to sell small bouquets called tussie mussies, which were popular in the late 19th Century.
They’ve also included other area Christmas traditions.
The celebration is scheduled for Dec. 6, the same night that Santa will ride through the city on a sled sponsored by the Shamokin Rotary Club. After making his rounds, Santa will park his sleigh on Independence Street and visit with children.
The city has granted the organizers permission to block portions of Independence and Eighth streets to traffic from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the event.
Regardless of how big or small “A Downtown Christmas” will be, Shaffer is happy about the community project.
“It thrills me to see the whole community coming together again,” Shaffer said.
For more information, contact Jeanne Shaffer at 648-6772 or 850-9121, or email jeannes@ptd.net.
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