CV Business Alliance holiday season features first responders, small shops and a big bun
The Christmas season is full of activities for the Cumberland Valley Business Alliance, a partnership between the Chambersburg and Greencastle-Antrim chambers of commerce.
“I’m super excited about the holiday season … for our members, businesses and the community,” said Steve Christian, president of CVBA and the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce.
The stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve runs from Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 in both communities to Heritage Christmas in Greencastle on Dec. 1 and 8 to the Martin’s Famous Potato Roll Drop on New Year’s Eve in Chambersburg.
Presents show appreciation to first responders
One of the headliners isn’t a public get-together focusing on a fat guy in a red suit, but it does involve presents and will be held throughout Franklin County.
“One thing we do around the holidays is a very important activity — First Responders Appreciation Day,” Christian said.
The ninth annual First Responders Appreciation Day will be Friday, Dec. 8. Donations from area businesses and individuals can be dropped off through Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the Chambersburg chamber, 100 Lincoln Way East.
About 25 volunteers, called CVBA Ambassadors, will gather up tons of donations and spread out all over Franklin County, Christian said.
They’ll visit about 30 fire, EMS and police stations to deliver appreciation gifts that last year ranged from snacks and beverages to toys and Instant Pots.
A list of suggested items can be found on the CVBA website and monetary donations are accepted, too.
Local children also can make cards “thanking the first responders for their tireless efforts.” The cards will be delivered along with the care packages.
The reaction of first responders is fabulous and they are overwhelmed by the show of appreciation, Christian said.
Mix it up at multi-chamber mixer
Another event encompassing the whole region is the multi-chamber holiday mixer from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 14 in the Menno Haven Life Center in Chambersburg.
“It’s truly a joy,” Christian described the gathering of members of CVBA and the Tuscarora, Waynesboro and Shippensburg chambers. It includes business vendors, door prizes, giveaways, raffles and food and beverage provided by Menno Haven.
He added it also is a good opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a chamber member to see and learn more. Anyone interested in registering as a guest can visit the CVBA website.
Shopping small pays big rewards
Small Business Saturday is Nov. 25 and shoppers can find lots of gift-giving inspiration in both communities represented by CVBA. As an added incentive, promotions are planned in each town.
“The businesses that line our streets are crucial to our community’s economic well-being and sense of place,” according to Sam Thrush, president of Downtown Chambersburg Inc., an affiliate of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber. “We’re privileged to support locally owned businesses during Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.”
In Greencastle, there will be a #ShopGreencastlePA campaign and a mystery shopper will award prizes to shoppers in local businesses.
In Chambersburg, people who present a receipt for $25 or more spent on Small Business Saturday will be eligible to win over $2,500 in Downtown Dollars with $10, $20 and $50 vouchers and one $100 Golden Ticket.
The Heritage Center in downtown Chambersburg offers “cool, local, nifty gifts,” Christian added.
Shopping small and local “provides a real connection to the community from an economic standpoint,” Christian said. “It supports the businesses that support the community.
“The money recirculates in our community in many ways,” Christian said, citing businesses supporting everything from Little League to nonprofit organizations.
Heritage Christmas is a Greencastle tradition
“Heritage Christmas is a fabulous Greencastle tradition,” Christian said. “It’s great for the community and families and makes downtown so welcoming.”
Heritage Christmas on the Square will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 1 and 8.
The family-friendly evenings sponsored by the Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce include entertainment, giveaways and treats from community groups, vendors and the chance to do some shopping at downtown businesses.
Santa Claus will be on hand for pictures, Uncle Bean will be twisting his popular balloon creations, model trains will be running at the High Line Train Station and kids can enter the Santa’s Workshop Scavenger Hunt.
Allison-Antrim Museum also will hold its annual holiday open house on Dec. 1.
Send the year out with a bun, not a bang
Martin’s potato rolls are Franklin County’s best known food product and for the second time, the year will end with the Martin’s Famous Potato Roll Drop on Dec. 31.
See pictures from 2022: Martin's Famous Potato Roll Drop brings hundreds to downtown Chambersburg
The family-friendly event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at Chambers Fort Park in downtown Chambersburg.
Details are still being organized, but the celebration will include activities for kids, giveaways, radio remotes, community stands and indoor entertainment. They will lead up the drop of the massive potato roll at 9 p.m. and community well-wishes.
Check it out: Tour the new home of Chambersburg Police Department
Shawn Hardy is a reporter with Gannett's Franklin County newspapers in south-central Pennsylvania — the Echo Pilot in Greencastle, The Record Herald in Waynesboro and the Public Opinion in Chambersburg. She has more than 35 years of journalism experience. Reach her at shardy@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Waynesboro Record Herald: CV Business Alliance set to celebrate in Chambersburg and Greencastle
