The Unity supervisors have hosted a community holiday celebration near the township municipal building, complete with a Christmas tree, since 2009.

This year, in keeping with pandemic precautions, those attending stayed in their cars, greeted with a wave from Santa before dropping off letters to the jolly old elf and getting a treat bag as they left.

“This is the most unique one — and it’s drawn more people than ever,” Supervisor Mike O’Barto said of Friday evening’s drive-thru event.

The township neared the end of its 300 treat bags little more than a half-hour into the event, but there were some additional candy canes on hand.

“Next year maybe we’ll have to double them,” O’Barto said of the treats.

Lisa Pope of Latrobe and Darlene Upson of Unity were among volunteers who served as Santa’s helpers.

Pope switched roles after portraying Mrs. Claus for visitors to the Overly’s Country Christmas attraction at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds.

“I just like doing it,” she said. “It’s a way of giving back to the community.”

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