Annual Rural Valley Holiday Festivities Expand

by Jonathan Weaver

Santa Claus is still coming to Rural Valley Borough after Thanksgiving as usual, but is coming with some additional fun this year.

The Shannock Valley Recreation Committee expanded the annual festivities put on by Rural Valley Borough into “Christmas in the Valley” – a four-hour event at the Shannock Valley Lodge.

Instead of merely lighting a tree and welcoming Santa Claus via the Rural Valley fire engine, Borough Resident Katrina Arduini brainstormed expanding the event after she was appointed a committee member in January. She took inspiration from Kittanning Borough’s festivities.

“I said ‘Why don’t we do something different? So we brought it up to the Borough and they said that was fine,” Arduini said.

Beginning at 5PM, local crafters will begin displaying possible gifts before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 6PM.

The pair was to arrive via a horse and buggy, but those new plans reverted back due to the predicted winter storm.

“I guess that’s something similar because they always rode in the fire truck,” Arduini said.

Santa will be greeted through carols song by West Shamokin High School Junior Michaela Dalessio of Rural Valley.

Dalessio – who is a co-captain of the school’s cheerleading squad - also performs within the school, and won first prize at the November 5th talent show. She anticipates some of her fellow students to also attend and show their support.

“I like to sing a lot – it’s something I’ve always done. I like to sing and make other people feel good,” Dalessio said.

Dalessio begins singing at the lodge at 5:45PM.
Inside, Santa Claus will give out candy to children after listening to their wish lists and professional photographs.

Arduini hoped her 2 ½ year old daughter, Emilena is one of those that will smile on Santa’s lap.

Fire Chief Kevin Nelson set up a 12-foot tree outside near the memorial while committee members decorated inside the lodge in preparation for Friday.

Arduini also hopes for a good turnout and thought some residents might come after being stuck in the rain or wind at Kittanning Borough’s event last week.

The recreation committee is made up of four residents from Rural Valley Borough and four from Cowanshannock Township, which made the lodge a perfect place, said Committee President Frank Palilla.

“We thought the park was a good place for it being that the recreation committee represents both the Borough and the Township,” Palilla said.

More than a dozen vendors – including Kaczor Ravioli Company of Ford City – will be set up inside.

The Rural Valley Lions will also be utilizing the kitchen area and selling food to participants.

Rural Valley Borough officials will provide free hot chocolate.

Rural Valley Borough Police Officer Jeffrey Shondelmyer will also be present during the evening to provide assistance.