Westmoreland happenings: Christmas programs, makers market, theater, more

Christmas events

• Cook Township Community Center will host a free opportunity for children to meet Santa Claus at 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at the center, 1698 State Route 711. There will be photo ops with Santa with backdrops, a cookie-decorating station, and free cookies and hot chocolate.

• The Blairsville Parks and Recreation Community Christmas Extravaganza will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at the parks and recreation center, 101 E. North Lane. The show will be a double cookie stop to kick off Light Up Night. There will be a concession stand and small businesses will sell unique gifts. Details: Christina Brumagin, 724-422-6219.

• Westmoreland County Historical Society will present “Three Centuries of Christmas in America” Dec. 14 at Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Hempfield. Tours will be at 10:15, 11 and 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Reservations required. Cost: $12; historical society members, $10. Reservations: 724-836-1800, ext. 210.

• The Latrobe Holy Jolly Christmas celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. Dec. 7 in downtown Latrobe. A meet and greet with Santa will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in James H. Rogers Memorial Park. There will be a story time and crafts at Adams Memorial Library, a workshop to make a wreath at Westmoreland County Community College, vendors, artisans and much more. Details: hollyjollylatrobe.com.

• The 20^th annual Irwin Christmas Cookie Tour will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 in downtown Irwin. There will be horse and carriage rides, visits with Santa at Duncan Financial, children’s cookie decorating at the Masonic Hall and 32 stores will hand out free cookies. Sponsored by the Irwin Business and Professional Association.

Fundraisers

• West Overton Village, 109 West Overton Road, Scottdale, will have its holiday makers market from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. Dec. 7 and 8. There will be local vendors and food trucks. West Overton Distilling will be open and sell holiday-themed cocktails and gifts. Photo ops with Santa will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8. Free admission and parking. Details: westovertonvillage.org.

• St. John United Church of Christ, 1230 Brownstown Road, Larimer, will sell Christmas cookies from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until sold out Dec. 7 at the church. Doors open at 11 a.m. Enter through the gymnasium door at the rear of the church. Cookies will be sold on a first come, first served basis. No orders will be accepted.

• Mon Valley Paws will sponsor a photos with the Grinch event from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Venue 313, 313 Schoonmaker Ave., Monessen. Bring your mobile device to take photos. Donations will be accepted and there will be vendors. Details: 724-493-8305.

Meeting

• Ligonier Valley Writers will have its annual holiday party from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 8 at St. Michael of the Valley Episcopal Church, 2535 State Route 381, Rector. Members of the public are welcome to attend and read aloud from their own writing or enjoy holiday fare and good conversation. Bring a covered dish or dessert to share if you like. Details: Judith Gallagher, 724-593-7294 or jgallagher@lhtot.com.

Theater

• Greensburg Civic Theatre will present “Willy Wonka Jr.” at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, 951 Old Salem Road, Greensburg. Cost: $15 plus fees in advance; $18 at the door if available. Tickets: gctheatre.org.

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