ORWIGSBURG - The Festival of Lights will feature a camel, in addition to the traditional lighting of the borough Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus.
The free event starts at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and continues until "the last child gets a ride on the trolley with Santa," borough Manager Mike Lonergan said Thursday.
The Festival of Lights started in 1990 as a way to bring people in the community together, Lonergan said.
It is sponsored by the borough, the Orwigsburg Business and Professional Association, the Orwigsburg Lions and Orwigsburg Churches.
Before the Festival of Lights, the Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library will host the Holly Trail from 12 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the day of the event and can be purchased at the library, 214 E. Independence St. Wreaths decorated from area businesses will be on display in the square for attendees to vote on. Voting starts at 4:30 p.m. and winners will be announced at 6 p.m. This is the first year for the wreath decorating contest, Pat Falco, vice president of the Orwigsburg Business and Professional Association, said.
The camel is made possible by The Lighthouse Church, Orwigsburg.
"Camels have personalities," Pastor Bill Orf of The Lighthouse Church said Thursday.
Orf said the camel adds something extra special to the occasion.
"It's the 200th birthday of Orwigsburg," he said.
The lighting of the tree will be held about 5:30 p.m., followed by Santa arrival at 6 p.m. on a trolley pulled by a tractor.
The Blue Mountain High School band will open the events at 4:30 p.m. followed by the singing of Other activities include the singing of Christmas carols and a Nativity scene in the square.
Orf said people should come downtown and get into the holiday spirit.
"It really starts off the Christmas season," he said.