Plum's 4th Christmas event draws record crowds

Danica D’Ambrosio’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw Santa arrive at Plum Creek Park.

The excitement quickly turned to concern for the Center Elementary kindergartner when the Grinch snuck up on the jolly fellow and tried to steal his sleigh last week.

But then cheers rang out as Plum patrolman Michael DeMarco arrived just in time to arrest the mean, green one.

With his plans thwarted, the Grinch moaned about not being able to stop the fourth annual Christmas at Plum Creek.

Event emcee and borough entertainment division head Vince Lagrotteria and Santa came up with a way to melt the Grinch’s heart. They led the crowd in singing “Jingle Bells.”

After a few verses, the Grinch began to dance and the cuffs came off. Santa tapped his staff on the stage and the borough’s tree lit up much to Danica and everyone’s delight.

“It was absolutely awesome,” said Danica’s dad, Mike D’Ambrosio of Plum. “I saw her face light up as she saw the Grinch and how animated it was. It was great.”

Danica said she’s been a good girl this year and asked Santa for an Osmo toy.

Christmas at Plum Creek is a free annual event organized by the borough and sponsored by various businesses. Two adjustments from previous years scored big with businesses and families.

Council chambers was transformed into Santa’s Shoppe, where vendors had wine, chocolates and other goods for sale. The tree lighting celebration was moved from the borough building to the park, allowing more people to gather round without being cramped.

“I love the layout over here better,” said Danica’s mom, Kristi D’Ambrosio. “There’s much more space for everybody. I grew up in Plum. It’s great to have more events like this so it brings the community together.”

Other activities included horse-drawn carriage rides from Wolfe Dream Carriage of Apollo, reindeer from Sell’s Live Reindeer Exhibits of Ohio, food trucks, crafts, games and performances by Plum High School ensembles and Kelsey’s Dance and Fitness teams.

Lagrotteria brought special guests on stage between shows, including Holiday Park Elementary sixth-grader Sven Evarts, 11. He was decked out in a red and green hat with a large Christmas light necklace.

“I had a good time telling them hello,” Sven said about his stage time. “It was amazing … I think it’s very good for the community.”

Sven said he asked Santa for a Pac-Man game table.

“I’m so glad they have this every year for the kids,” said Sven’s mother, Ashley Drop of Plum. “He’s always a good boy. I think it’s a lot better over here, a lot more room. Seeing the kids smile and see Santa (is my favorite part of the event).”

Thousands came out to celebrate the holiday season in the borough.

Event coordinator Mona Costanza said they ran out of 96 gallons of hot chocolate, 100 dozen cookies from Oakmont Bakery, more than 400 reindeer hats in the craft area and food vendors were about empty by the end of the night.

“I think that tells you how good the crowd was,” Costanza said. “I think tonight was an overwhelming success. We had record numbers. I couldn’t even begin to guess right now. I’d have to talk to transportation.”

Parking was very limited near the site. There were free shuttles from nearby Plum High School, St. John’s Church along Unity-Center Road and Amplify Church at O’Block and Saltsburg roads.

Public works crews coordinated with Hedeen Electric about three to four weeks ago to install poles and lights throughout the park and get things ready for the celebration. Many of the tents were put up a few days before the event.

“The layout and everything comes from Mona,” buildings and grounds Supervisor Joe Fischetti said. “It’s my job to take it from there to this … We’ve had a little bit more work to do because of the (July) flooding. We cleaned up a little bit from that. There are also things that had to wait like some decorations you can’t put up until that week because of weather. You’ve got to plan it and how to capitalize on it. It’s a nice cold night, no rain, great turnout. I love the layout.”

Vendors loved the layout as well, especially the one in Santa’s Shoppe.

“I think it’s comfortable. You have a lot of room,” said resident Nickole Love Nader, owner of Baked With Love. “You don’t have to worry about rain or bugs or cold. People can take their time and look and try things as opposed to being bundled up and shaking outside.”

Holiday festivities continue with a bonfire from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the park. Go to plumboro.com for more information.