A Merry Mercersburg Christmas

It’s the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year, and the decorations around town show it. Wreaths are hanging off parking meters, the light poles are draped in garland, and local businesses adorn various ensembles of decorations. The staple of Mercersburg’s festive spirit is located in the square, and it stands tall with sparkling lights and ornaments: the Christmas tree.

On Nov. 24, the Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce held a Merry Mercersburg Tree Lighting from 4-7pm. Many

businesses came together to generate a festive atmosphere.

A center of the evening’s events revolved around the local coffee shop, One North. The fairly new business celebrated

their first birthday on Nov. 24. To any customer who stopped by, there was a free slice of birthday cake. Also, there was free coffee and hot chocolate being offered outside to anyone attending the lighting. For the children, Christmas crafts were available in the shop.

For One North, this one-year journey has been full of a lot of changes and progress.

“The entire store has grown and improved very rapidly. Just recently we tore down a wall and put in a bakery case, literally overnight, to display our talented baker’s hard work and efforts,” said Logan Williams (12), who works at One North.

The coffee shop is still working on how to improve their business.  

“I foresee us being open on Monday every week rather than being closed,” said Williams.  “People enjoy being there and want to spend as much time there as they can.”

While Christmas music played throughout the square, several vendors gathered to offer their goods up. Agronomy Inc. gave away free cookies and milk for people to munch on as they shopped around. Other businesses were also attending, such as Snider’s Elevator.

The Rocket Band was also a vendor, selling baked goods to raise money to give to the Music Boosters.

“We are here supporting the JB Music Boosters to help raise money for everything we need for our indoor program,” said Lauren Ramsey (10). “There’s a lot of things parents do to raise money that not a lot of people know about, so I like to come out and help with that.”

The band had sold a lot of goods, as a lot of people turned out to show their support.

“There’s been a lot of people coming by, buying whole things (baked goods) and using them for parties and other things

like that,” said Ramsey.

At 6 o’clock, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus made an appearance. After riding in on a fire truck from Mercersburg Volunteer

Fire Department, they stopped by to take photos with kids and those young at heart.

Then, at 6:30, the tree was lit. After a speech was given, the many people attending the lighting gathered around to countdown for the tree. This year’s tree was donated by M&T Bank and stands tall in front of the business on the square.

The last event of the night was held at the Star Theatre. It’s A Wonderful Life was played for free. Along with the movie, free popcorn, drinks, and candy were given out. The movie was sponsored by the Mercersburg Academy. The star of the Christmas classic, Jimmy Stewart, was a Mercersburg Academy graduate.

It’s just the end of November, but Christmas cheer is already being spread throughout Mercersburg. The lighting of the Christmas tree on Nov. 24 was not just that, but it was also an event filled with giving from local businesses and holiday festivities.