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Community Christmas brings out spirit
The Vindicator (Youngstown)
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Chloe Khoury, 5, of Boardman, adds an ornament to a tree representing her Kindergarten class at Stadium Drive Elementary during the 14th Annual Boardman Community Christmas at Boardman Township Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Vindicator (Youngstown)
Photo
Boardman PTA Council President, Cheryl Dutko, enjoys a laugh as Boardman residents, Ron Mistovich and Dave Erck, grab cookies and hot chocolate during the 14th Annual Boardman Community Christmas at Boardman Township Park on Sunday afternoon..
YOUNGSTOWN — By Sean Barron
BOARDMAN
Santa Claus has been busy making the rounds in the Mahoning Valley, though it would be a mistake to assume that he’s entirely dependent on his fleet of eight reindeer.
Sometimes, a firetruck will do.
That was Old St. Nick’s mode of transportation, as Santa was a centerpiece of Sunday’s 14th annual Community Christmas show at Boardman Township Park.
Children and adults alike enjoyed gathering around Santa, who also gave away a few gifts during the free event.
Another highlight of the afternoon program was the opportunity for youngsters to hang ornaments on trees behind the gazebo, though the decorations were anything but traditional: These were meant to be eaten.
Participants from several elementary schools, Girl Scout troops and day-care centers were asked to use natural decorations and ornaments that animals can eat, such as muffins, bagels, birdseed, pine cones and cereal. In front of each tree was a sign bearing the name of the entity that decorated it.
Those represented included Market Street, West Boulevard, Robinwood Lane and Stadium Drive elementary schools, Wee Care Day Care Center and the Boardman High School chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions.
Attendees also were treated to several Christmas carols performed by members of the high school band and led by Linda Smrek.
Also Sunday, numerous holiday- light decorations near the park’s main entrance were lighted and are to remain so until early January, noted Nick Csernik, a park caretaker.