Sharpsburg parks and recreation commission volunteers will soon hit the switch on the borough’s holiday season.

The annual tree lighting celebration is set for 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.

Festivities will take place in Guyasuta Square along North Canal Street and parts of Main Street.

North Canal Street will be closed for the occasion.

Commission president Mallory Helbling and her team have been working for months planning the event.

She said the layout remained the same as last year with the tree planted in the square.

The actual tree lighting time was not finalized at press time.

There will be dancers, various characters strolling about and Santa plans to visit.

The nonprofit Trash Cat Rescue will have kittens and cats available for adoption at a studio space along North Canal Street.

The commission has encouraged borough shops to extend their hours for the evening.

“Our hope is that as the night wraps up, people will visit the local businesses for dinner/drinks/et cetera,” Helbling said. “We just would absolutely love for people to come out and kickoff the holiday season.”

Newly elected Councilman Roman Mason said he attended last year’s lighting and saw a lot of folks in the holiday spirit.

He expects the same this year despite the borough competing with Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night that same evening.

“I’m happy it’s here now and I’m excited to celebrate the holidays with the constituents of Sharpsburg,” Mason said. “The people that want to be loyal to Sharpsburg, that are from here and live here will come. People that want to get out and see Pittsburgh are welcome to do that.

“People that are going to be here are going to have fun regardless. It’s going to be a great time and a great event.”

The commission will have a house decorating contest in December. Information about the competition will be given out at the tree lighting.

More information about the tree lighting is available on the borough website and Facebook page.

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