Freeport Renaissance Association presents Small Town Christmas

Sleigh bells will be ringing in Freeport as a holiday celebration returns Saturday.

The Freeport Renaissance Association presents its Small Town Christmas.

The association had virtual and socially distanced activities last year, and there was no parade.

“I just think it’s going to be a really good opportunity for community members to get together, especially since we weren’t able to do this event at full capacity last year,” said Cheyenne Filous, one of the newest volunteers at FRA. “I think it’s going to be a good way to head into the holidays, especially with us doing it a few weeks prior to Christmas.”

Longtime volunteer Sue Hunter, 79, said she came out of retirement this year to help in FRA events, particularly Small Town Christmas. She’s working with the fire department on the parade.

“I’m just so thrilled that so many of the sports teams from Freeport Area High School are coming with a truck or float or walking,” she said.

About 20 groups have signed up, including Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. The high school golf team is expected to bring golf carts.

Hunter, who is baking cookies for the library bake sale, said this will be her last year assisting with FRA event planning.

“We had a great group of people in the FRA, and they always wanted to do more,” Hunter said. “I’ve enjoyed it very much. I’ve enjoyed working with the people who have been involved.”

Filous moved to the borough several months ago with her husband, Zachary.

She said she’s learning a lot from FRA volunteers and is happy to be involved.

“We kind of jumped in head first to see how we can help this organization and this community,” Filous said. “We’re just glad to be able to get involved in the community and kind of make our place here. I’m excited to see what the turnout is going to be like.”

Activities

• Festivities begin at 8 a.m. with the Freeport Area Library’s flea market/Christmas shoppe and bake sale.

• Breakfast with Santa is scheduled for 8:30 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 608 Main St.

• Pet photos with Santa will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment only, at NextHome Dynamic, 235 Fifth St. Call 724-295-5500 or email jen@nexthomedynamic.com to schedule. Photos are free. Donations will be accepted for Orphans of the Storm.

• NextHome Dynamic is hosting a gingerbread house contest and display from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. . Children and adults are welcome to enter. Entries must be dropped off by 4 p.m. Friday.

• A creche display is planned for 2 to 5 p.m. at St. Mary’s.

• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is holding a bake sale and open house from 3 to 5 p.m. at 323 Fifth St.

• December’s Mingle Off Market, an event involving various shops in the borough’s business district, was moved to Saturday in connection with Small Town Christmas.

Businesses and vendors will participate from 3 to 5 p.m.

Parade, tree lighting

Parade lineup is set for 4 to 4:45 p.m. at the boat launch at First and High streets.

The parade starts at 5 p.m., heads down First Street and left onto Market Street, turns right onto Second Street, then left onto Riverside Drive, left onto Fifth Street through the business district and ends at the Hope Garden.

Harrison, Buffalo and South Buffalo are expected to be among the other fire departments in the parade.

Freeport fire marshal Michael Greiser has been involved in the parade since 1996.

“This is probably one of the best parades (of the year),” he said. “There always seems to be really good attendance. It really starts that festive season for the town.”

Spots are available. Applications to be in the parade can be picked up at 1833 Coffee and Tea Co.

They must be completed and returned to the coffee shop by Thursday.

Interested groups also can contact Sue Hunter at 724-295-2041 or 724-681-0317 or hunter216@comcast.net.

A tree lighting ceremony is planned after the parade at the Hope Garden, near the corner of Mulberry Way and Fifth Street. Freeport Area School District choir director Tom Koharchik will be leading a singalong.