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SWOYERSVILLE — Residents lined the streets of the borough on Saturday to catch a glimpse of Frosty, Rudolph and Santa Claus as they made their way through town.
Mayor Chris Concert and State Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R-Kingston, also took to a float taking time to wish those gathered for the “Santa Comes to Swoyersville” event a happy holiday season.
The parade, which included fire and police vehicles, the Swoyersville Little League team and several businesses, concluded at the borough building with ornament lighting, hot chocolates and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Despite some of the season’s first snowflakes and falling temperatures, dozens of people attended the event.
To Danielle Krivenko, it was the perfect opportunity to kick off the holiday season with creativity and good spirit.
Krivenko said she was especially glad that the activities also provided opportunity for youngsters to design and color a card for those in the military.
“It’s a positive way to get in the Christmas spirit,” she said.
Daughter Natasha Krivenko, 9, carefully chose colors for her snowflake ornament, with her brother, Brady Kolesar, 3, also applying paint to an ornament.
“This is first time he ever painted,” Danielle Krivenko said. “I didn’t know he could paint.”
Concert has been attempting all year to provide family activities at no cost to borough residents. Part of the way he has done that is to collect aluminum cans from residents and redeem them to purchase supplies.
“Someone asked me if we are still going to collect cans,” he said. “Of course we are — to fund the celebration of upcoming events.”
Sporting a bright red holiday bow on her head and a big smile, 1-year-old Peyton Comer seemed to thoroughly enjoy spending time with others despite the cold weather.
Grandmother Danielle Wolfe said the event was even more exciting because last year Peyton was only 2 months old. This year, Wolfe said, her granddaughter is old enough to appreciate the sights and sounds of the season.
Across the room, Nicholas Tokach, also 1, wasn’t quite as happy to see Santa.
Although the youngster, bearing a green holiday-themed hat, initially seemed intrigued by Santa and Mrs. Claus’s bright red outfits and warm smiles. But when placed on Santa’s lap, he seemed to be saying “enough is enough” with his fidgeting and crying.
Shea Kilbourn, 16, of West Wyoming, said she attended the event with friends because she “knew kids in the parade,” and that it served to fuel her Christmas spirit.
“Santa Comes to Swoyersville” concluded with a tree lighting and a late night “carolling by candlelight” event, which was the brainchild of Concert.
“Quality of life for area residents doesn’t always mean spending a lot of money,” said Concert. “I want residents from Swoyersville and other towns to gather and enjoy a sense of community and celebration.”
