HAMBURG - Local artists and downtown businesses were put on display Saturday for the annual "Catch the Spirit" event in Hamburg.
The event was hosted by Our Town Foundation, Hamburg Lion's Club, The Greater Hamburg Business Association and The Bridge Church. It featured a variety of holiday activities, including the annual lighting of the tree ceremony, Christmas displays, music, movies, arts and crafts and, of course, Santa Claus.
"We like to show off our downtown, our community and everything we have to offer," Angela Kase, Elm Street coordinator for Our Town Foundation, said Saturday.
Kase said the annual event has grown, with new artists and businesses participating this year. Various businesses were running special promotions with the event flier.
The holiday parade kicked off the event at 9 a.m. and closed with the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in the municipal parking lot.
The Strand Theater had free showings of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman," while Andulhea Heritage Choir performed at St. John's Lutheran Church. Linda Easter sang Christmas carols from the balcony over Necessities New & Used Furniture.
"We thought that was really unique," Kase said.
Local artists were selling their work at The Gallery of Hamburg where there was a poetry reading by author Michael Sgrignoli, as well as children's crafts.
Brian Warfel, an artist from Hamburg, was selling some of his paintings and drawings at the gallery Saturday afternoon.
"There are so many things going on downtown," Warfel said.
Warfel said the event helps local artists show off their work.
"I just like what they are trying to do here and encourage people to buy local," he said.
Lindsay Adam, Hamburg, was selling some of her pottery at the gallery.
"It's good for the kids to see people walking around downtown and know that there are things to do here," Adam said. "It just kind of warms the heart to see people moving around downtown."
For more information about Historic Hamburg or Our Town Foundation, visit www.hamburgpa.org.