The Christmas spirit will be alive in Hamburg this weekend as the borough hosts its annual holiday bash.
Catch the Spirit will be held all day Saturday in the downtown district. The event features a schedule of holiday-themed events for the family, as well as shopping in downtown area businesses.
In its third year, the event continues to grow and gather support from the community.
"This year we are partnering with more organizations so we have a bigger schedule," Angela Kase, Elm Street manager, said.
Due to the threat of rain tonight, the Christmas tree lighting was moved to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The event at the Fourth and Pine streets municipal lot will feature music from Wings, the Hamburg Area Middle School choral ensemble, and the Bridge Church Choir. There will also be complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
Josh Shaffer, worship pastor at Bridge Church, played a significant role in organizing the tree lighting ceremony.
"The church wanted to get more involved with the event," Shaffer said.
He said a few hundred people are expected to attend the ceremony, which has grown into the biggest attraction during Catch the Spirit.
"The response has been very good," said Shaffer, who also helped organize the Andulhea Heritage Choir performance at 2 p.m. St. John's Lutheran Church, 99 Church St.
The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday with the Christmas parade, sponsored by the Hamburg Area Business Association and Hamburg Lions Club, while Santa will be taking pictures with children at his workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the municipal lot.
At the Gallery of Hamburg, 335 State St., local author Michael Sgrignoli will host a reading and signing of his book "Dinorific Poetry." Children can also get creative with free crafts by Salem Church and CONCERN Counseling Services at Hecky's Sub Shop, 313 State St.
After a day of activities, the children can unwind with free showings of classic holiday specials at Hamburg Strand Theater, 6 N. Fourth St. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" will be shown at 4 p.m., followed by "Frosty the Snowman" at 5 p.m.
Kase said in previous years, they showed one full-length movie but decided to show the two specials to break up the program for the children.
"We figured it would be good for kids who want to drop in to one but don't want to watch a full movie," Kase said.
For the adults, Bethany United Methodist Church, 321 Island St., will host a Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Gallery will hold a wine and cheese tasting from noon to 3 p.m., featuring Long Trout Winery and harp music by Barbara Greim.
In addition to other events, artisans and crafters will set up displays on sidewalks and in storefronts in the downtown district.
For more information, visit hamburgpa.org.