For 10 years, Old Forge Mayor Bob Mulkerin traveled to Jim Thorpe with his family for the town’s Christmas celebration.
Every year during the 45-minute drive, Mr. Mulkerin and his wife would wonder why Old Forge did not have a similar celebration.
The Mulkerins’ idea will become a reality with the inaugural Snow Forge event on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tree-lighting planned
A tree already sits outside the Old Forge Borough Building, waiting to be lit at 5:30 p.m. during the event. Mr. Mulkerin said the borough tree is one of many placed outside of businesses near the center of town.
“Trees will be dotting up and down not just Main Street, but Oak Street and other side streets,” he said.
Slate of activities
With the trees as a backdrop, a full slate of activities is planned for the afternoon and evening. The Borough Building will host face painting, letter-writing to Santa, and pictures with Santa for children 12 and younger, Mr. Mulkerin said.
Outside, the committee will offer coffee, hot chocolate and cookies for people to enjoy while listening to live music or waiting in line for a horse-drawn wagon or trolley ride through the borough.
“Mrs. Claus will be reading stories on the trolley,” Mr. Mulkerin added.
When the borough tree lights up at 5:30 p.m., members of the Old Forge Elementary Advance Chorus will sing Christmas carols to set the mood, Mr. Mulkerin said.
The mayor also noted most of the businesses and restaurants on Main Street will remain open during the event in hopes that people will stop by, see their Christmas trees and come inside.
“This is a perfect opportunity to showcase Main Street,” Mr. Mulkerin said. “The businesses have been unbelievably helpful.”
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sscinto@timesshamrock.com