Ford City Encouraged to Celebrate the Holidays “Aboard the Polar Express” Saturday
A large crowd, such as the one shown here from 2013, is expected for this weekend’s kick-off to Christmas on Saturday in Ford City. This year’s celebration won’t include the re-commissioning of the Ford City Choo Choo as was anticipated. (KP File Photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
In-between decorating the house for Christmas, Ford City leaders hope local residents also take part in annual-light up festivities this weekend.
Ford City Renaissance Community Partnership volunteers have dubbed this year’s “Fantasy of Lights” theme as “All Aboard the Polar Express” and wish for all to be a part of lighting town decorations, visiting Santa Claus (at S&T Bank) and crafts – not to mention the free ice sculpting demonstration, reindeer display, music and magic.
Co-Organizer Paul Klukan said the Ford City Choo-Choo will not be running, but another train will be in town.
“We ran into some financial difficulty with the (Choo-Choo) – the motor and the transmission,” Klukan said. “The framework, everything on that train needs redone. With five of us on our committee, we’re trying our hardest to get it down here.”
Community Partnership’s Steve Heffner encouraged council members last week to also allow them to use vacant buildings for a “Christmas village.”
“I’ve been working on the buildings, windows and putting up decorations to make it look nice. I think Ford City needs some sort of event to get people to see that there are possibilities in these vacancies,” Heffner said. “I feel safe in them.”
Council Vice-President Tyson Klukan and other elected council members are to review the possibility with the property owners and building inspector, and review ordinances.
“I think we should do all we can to help make things work,” Councilman Marc Mantini said. “In the long run, it’s a win-win situation.”
Free hot beverages, crafts, treats and indoor craft shops are also to be open from 3-8PM Saturday across from the First Church of Ford City.
Face painting – done by the Armstrong River Hawks LEO Club - will be taking place at Representative Jeff Pyle’s office. Members of the Armstrong River Hawks Football Team are also going to be playing a role in the light-up festivities at 5:30 PM
Fifth Avenue will be closed from 11th Street to 9th Street, Fourth Avenue from 9th Street to O`Conner Street and Third Avenue from 9th Street to 10th Street Saturday. No parking will be permitted.
A small fireworks display is also expected.
Paul estimated this year’s festivities will cost about $5,000 total.
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