Jeannette celebrates the season with parade, craft show

Amanda Skiffington said she’s ready for the holiday season.

Skiffington and her 8-year-old son, Levi, were among the crowds that gathered Saturday afternoon in downtown Jeannette for the city’s Sparkle of Christmas celebration with a parade down Clay Avenue and a holiday craft show at the American Legion.

“We’re here to see Santa,” Skiffington said. “We come every year to look at the crafts and to pick up some gifts.”

Carole Babish, president of the Jeannette Business Association, which sponsored Saturday’s festivities, said more than 20 vendors were peddling Christmas-themed wares, and about a dozen local churches and community groups sold holiday cookies and other baked goods.

“This event brings people together,” Babish said. “Our businesses are open downtown, and it’s really important people know we are here. This kicks off the holiday season.”

Rick Loughner, an official with the Jeannette American Legion, said the organization has hosted the pre-Christmas celebration for the last five or six years.

“We like doing something for the community,” Loughner said.

Jane Sharp, 88, of Latrobe and Carol Pocratsky, 77, of Greensburg are members of the Order of the Amaranth. They were selling wreaths and other holiday items at the craft fair to raise money for diabetes research.

They were making their first visit to the Jeannette holiday festival and parade and plan to return next year.

Skiffington, who grew up in Jeannette and attended Jeannette High School, said she enjoys her onetime hometown’s holiday spirit. She also is likely to return next year to celebrate with friends and family.

“It’s always really important to come here,” Skiffington said. “I live in Penn Township but I still support Jeannette.”