Luminate Leechburg, Small Business Saturday to kick off holiday season on Nov. 28

Kick off your holiday shopping when Leechburg presents its ninth annual “Luminate Leechburg” event, coinciding with Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28.

Sponsored by the Leechburg Area Community Association, Luminate Leechburg is a “go” this year, despite covid-19 restrictions, but the popular parade is canceled.

Normally the float-filled parade draws thousands of visitors said association president Doreen Smeal.

“Not knowing what was happening with the covid-19 restrictions we decided to cancel the parade. The parade is always a big hit, and we had to cancel Halloweenburg earlier so we felt bad,” Smeal said. “I just can’t let the Christmas season go by without some sort of celebration.”

Santa will arrive by firetruck for a traditional tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. featuring three decorated Christmas trees in Freedom Square in the VFW Courtyard.

The Leechburg Area High School band will be on hand to play a compilation of holiday songs.

Keep an eye out for The Grinch, as he has a habit of showing up during the festivities.

Borough residents are invited to participate in a“Best Decorated House” contest, judged by six people, with a winner announced on Dec. 12.

Decorate your covid-mask for a contest during the daylong event, with the winner receiving a $20 gift certificate from Market Street Pizza.

Peruse the decorated storefronts as local businesses vie for “best decorated” bragging rights.

An outdoor scavenger hunt for all ages will take place from 2 p.m.- 5 p.m between Main and Market Streets, with the newly opened library on Market serving as home base.

“We want the library to be a community center for the borough,” Smeal said.

Market Street shops will be open for Small Business Saturday. CoCo Coffeehouse owner Nikki Saxion said the event always serves as a kick-off for holiday festivities.

“The kids love greeting Santa and getting a picture taken. This event is perfect for families,” Saxion said.

The Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company will be accepting new, unwrapped toy donations to stuff a truck for their annual “Toys For Alle-Kiski Kids” charity.

Organizers hope to bring in a food truck on Market Street but plans haven’t been finalized.