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Struthers kick-off holiday season
STRUTHERS
Santa and songs drew people together in the holiday spirit at the city’s annual Christmas celebration.
Families ventured out in cold weather at 5 p.m. Thursday at St. Nicholas Great Hall, 764 Fifth St.
“This is the first time we had it here,” said Mayor Terry Stocker.
The event used to take place at Mauthe Park, but the new location has more room for families to enjoy, he said.
By 6, Santa Claus had arrived in a fire truck for a visit. He was welcomed enthusiastically to a round of applause while the school choir performed “Here Comes Santa Claus.”
A line had formed quickly as children waited to sit down with Santa Claus and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Children also received a bag of candy and a coloring book.
“Every kid will go home with a treat,” Stocker said.
The city received donations from the business community and Aqua Ohio, which provides water service to the community. Aqua Ohio also provided refreshments including doughnuts and apple cider.
“Without Aqua Ohio this event couldn’t happen,” Stocker said.
As families gathered for the event, the choirs from Struthers High School and Struthers Middle school sang Christmas songs including classics such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”.
“It’s like a kickoff to Christmas,” said Al Sauline, area manager for Aqua Ohio. “Struthers is just one big family, and tonight’s show is what families do on the holidays.”
Among the donations for the event included free Santa Claus hats for children. Ron Carcelli, a retired city employee, was with his 4-year-old granddaughter, Hailey, when she received her own holiday hat.
Carcelli said he’s been going to the event every year since it started originally at city hall in the 1970s.
“It’s great for the kids,” he said.
“We try to add a little something every year,” Sauline said. “It just brings everyone together.”