‘Fantasy of Lights’ Illuminates Ford City Tomorrow
Two of the newly-made angels are ready to proclaim it the holiday season in Ford City near the Christmas tree near the clock tower. The town will be lit during Saturday’s “Fantasy of Lights” activities beginning at 3PM.
by Jonathan Weaver
The biggest holiday celebration yet in Ford City Borough will be held tomorrow night.
Hosted by the Ford City Renaissance Community Partnership, the Ford City ‘Fantasy of Lights’ will welcome in the holiday season Saturday with several family-oriented activities.
Co-Chairman Paul Klukan was in the chilly temperatures making final preparations Wednesday afternoon.
“This is our third year, and we try to change the theme every year to benefit the kids,” Klukan said.
Though the event officially begins with opening ceremonies at 3PM, Klukan advised participants to brave out the expected-winter temperatures until the unveiling of the Enchanted Castle of Dreams - constructed by Venture Crew 630 - at 5:20PM along Ford Street.
At that time, “Glosson” the Wizard, “Flora,” the Fairy Godmother, “Crystal,” the Snow Angel, and “Cosmo,” the dragon will put on an interactive show before Santa Claus arrives and lights the town.
The venture crew builds a structure each year to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and last year raised more than $10,000 through raffle. They hope to exceed that with the castle.
Shelby Klingensmith of Apollo – who suffers from leukemia – picked the winning ticket last year.
Before hearing the characters sing, children will be able to listen to other student singing performances every half-hour. Some of those involved include the Lenape Elementary Student Chorus, the Ford City Junior and Senior High Choruses and Kittanning Township’s own Anna Oberneder – who sang the past three years as she competed in the Miss Pennsylvania pageant.
Rimersburg Author Amanda Radakker Bliss got inspiration for her first childrens book from her own three children: front (L-R) Harrison, Hudson and Evelyn. Bliss will sign copies and promote her new book at the Ford City Library from 3-5PM Saturday. (submitted photo)
After opening ceremonies, Amanda Raddaker Bliss of Rimersburg will also sign copies of her children’s book “When Mommy Grew A 2nd Head” at the Ford City Library. The first novel Bliss has written, the story was inspired by her three children: Evelyn, 8, Hudson, 5, and Harrison, 2.
“It is basically about how the five-year-old seems to push Mommy’s buttons until she loses her patience, and at the point she loses her patience, she grows a monster head, screams and hollers to get him to behave,” Bliss said. “It sort-of has a lesson for both parent and child.”
“I’m hoping to make it a series – there’s a second book in-the-works,” Bliss said.
A frequent visitor to Ford City, her first public appearance was made during a Rimersburg craft show a few weeks ago.
The book can be bought at the signing, through Barnes and Noble or online. A copy of the book is also in the Ford City library.
Another event unique to this year’s festivities will be the dedication of more than a dozen memorials.
Since October, volunteers constructed 15 angels, a candle and a star for families in honor or memory of a loved one.
Even with the $200 price due to the costs associated, Klukan said even more could have been sold.
“We could’ve probably sold a half-dozen more,” Klukan said. “We had a girl from Texas originally from Ford City that saw it online buy one for her mom and a girl from Ohio buy one for her family. Barb already has four orders for the star we’re going to make next year.
“For the Borough to go out and buy those decorations that I made would have cost approximately $8,000 because each one of the LED bulbs on the angels are $1.09 a piece – there are approximately 100 on each angel.”
Among the other ongoing activities – including face painting, fire truck and horse and buggy rides, and a visit from real African penguins through the National Aviary, Pittsburgh ice sculptor Richard Bubin – who annually sculpts for Lenape Tech – will sculpt an angel out of a block of ice 10 inches thick from 6-7PM. The final product will be displayed by the clock tower until it melts.
Fireworks will also be set off.
The entire night of activities cost leaders approximately $5,000, offset by many community fundraisers throughout the year and about 50 local donors.
By Tankster, November 29, 2013 @ 9:17 PM
Sounds like a well-planned event. Good to see in this area. I just may stop down to Ford City.