Sewickley’s most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching.

Light Up Night is set for 5-8:30 p.m. Dec. 5.

Thousands are expected to pack the borough’s business district for the holiday extravaganza, complete with live music, ice sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, food trucks, crafts, games and an expanded kids zone with lots of activities.

The committee, chaired by council vice president Julie Barnes and councilwoman Bridgett Bates, has been planning since April and has secured a lot of returning vendors, sponsors and volunteers.

“Light Up Night is always such a great event,” Bates said. “This little town of under 4,000 people hosting 10,000 people for a night of family fun and celebration is such an accomplishment. We get to showcase our great village and celebrate a special time of year. It’s just awesome.”

More than 8,000 people attended last year’s Light Up Night.

Barnes said they have kept the same family-friendly layout and are hoping for good weather.

“It’s really weather-dependent,” Barnes said about the turnout. “The event footprint will be the same. We have spent time thinking about other things to do. When we explore other options, we realize we have such a great event. It goes smoothly. People love it. We add a few new things every year. For the most part, we are keeping it as the same tradition that people look forward to.”

Event highlights

Organizers have expanded the kids’ zone outside the borough building, 601 Thorn St.

Sweetwater Center for the Arts’ mobile art unit, Sweet Ride, will be parked there with arts and crafts.

A Santa hotline will be established to contact the North Pole.

Other activities include a cotton candy station, strolling characters and face painting.

There are two performance stages. The main stage along Broad Street will be emceed by KDKA personality Larry Richer.

Scheduled acts include the Santa Claus Band/Sweetwater Cottage Band, a performance by KDKA personality Mary Ours and headlining tribute band Bon Journey.

Quaker Valley Middle School teacher Tom Forrest will emcee the youth stage along Walnut Street.

Several food trucks will be lined up in the Green Street parking lot and carriage rides will take place along Beaver Street by First National Bank.

Sewickley Public Library with have holiday-themed activities and a movie playing inside. Several borough businesses will have extended hours.

The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center will be open.

Area churches will have hot chocolate and other drinks available.

St. James Church will also have a live nativity, caroling, a bonfire and cookies.

Santa will be at the gazebo for photos. Fireworks are planned for 8 p.m.

The presenting sponsor is once again FNB Corp.

”Everybody pulls together for this event,” Barnes said. “We want people to take advantage of the shopping and eating opportunities in town as well as the activities that are going on outside.”

Borough police and firefighters will have several streets blocked off for pedestrian safety.

Beaver Street from Blackburn Road to Straight Street will be closed; Broad Street from Centennial Avenue to Thorn Street will be closed; and Walnut Street from Beaver to Thorn streets will be closed.

A public safety tent will be located at the intersection of Beaver and Broad streets for those needing medical attention or other assistance from first responders.

Free parking will be available at the Sewickley Valley YMCA upper lot as well as at the Sewickley Presbyterian Church, St. Stephen’s Church and St. James Church.

More information is available at sewickleyborough.org.

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