What's going on in and around Somerset County for the holidays?
Community Thanksgiving dinner
Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 24, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 202 W. Union St., Somerset. Eat in or take out. Volunteers should call ahead to the St. Paul’s Church office at 814-445-4534 or email stpaulsuccoffice1@gmail.com if you would like to help.
Free Thanksgiving Day dinner
The annual free Thanksgiving Day Dinner will be held in the Wilson Community Room of the Central City Borough Building, 314 Central Ave., Central City, Thanksgiving day Nov 24. It will be a sit-down dinner, served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also available will be carryout meals from 10 a.m., and a limited delivery area — Central City and Cairnbrook areas only. Sign up must be prior to Nov. 18, at the Central City Borough Office, or by calling 814-754-8290. This is a complete Thanksgiving dinner, including pumpkin pie. Guests may have a choice of a bakery item to enjoy at home also. This is the sixth year for this event, all paid for by donations from various clubs, organizations, churches and individuals. For more information, contact Dan Bulger, chairman, debulger@comcast.net.
Thanksgiving dinner
Thanksgiving dinner is from noon to 2 p.m. or while supplies last, Nov. 24, at the Salisbury Church of the Brethren Faith Factory, 153 Union St., Salisbury. Take outs will not be available until 1 p.m. Donations will be accepted, but are not required or expected. Local delivery will be available to those not able to come in to pick up by calling 814-279-0787 before 11 a.m. the day of the event.
Community Thanksgiving dinner
A “free” Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, at New Beginnings Outreach Center Church complete with all Thanksgiving trimmings, eat-in or take-out. No pre-orders being taken. The church is one mile north of Jennerstown on the right at 7398 Somerset Pike, Boswell.
Friedens Lutheran Church community Thanksgiving meal
A free community Thanksgiving meal of turkey and all of the trimmings will be served from noon until 2:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, at Friedens Lutheran Church. Eat in or carry out will be available. Contact the church office at 814-445-4627 for more information.
Kiwanis Toy Drive
Kiwanis Club of Somerset Toy Drive, sponsoring children of Children and Youth Service, is accepting donations through Nov. 27. Donate new, unwrapped toys for local children for the next Christmas season. Wish list items include: hats, gloves, scarfs, duffle bags, pillows and pack and play. Drop-off locations are Dollar General Route 31, Somerset Church of God, Independent Insurance, 1st Summit Bank and Graef Lutheran Church. For more information, call Crystal at 814-442-6868.
Community Arts Center of Cambria County’s 52nd annual Holly Bazaar
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County 52nd Holly Bazaar runs through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. The center will be open seven days a week, Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. during the Holly Bazaar. The Holly Bazaar, located in the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center’s gallery and M. Josephine Paul Family Museum, features handcrafted items from more than 65 local craftsmen and artisans. It will also feature the Community Arts Center’s annual holiday candy and nut sale.
The 21st Basket Bonanza runs through Dec. 18. This gives visitors a chance to win more than 100 baskets donated by the center’s members, friends and local businesses. Additionally, the Festival of the Trees features six trees designed and created by local artists. These one-of-a-kind trees are part of a silent auction between Nov. 12 and Dec. 18.
The bazaar also includes raffle chances. Items in this year’s raffle include two $100 cash trees, a $50 lottery tree, a decorative wall tapestry, solid chocolate plaque from O’Shea’s, a Longaberger basket, and “Corinne,” the 2022 American Girl Doll of the year. All raffle proceeds benefit the CACCC’s free programming and events offered throughout the year. CACCC also provides registration for free door prizes. Winners will be drawn Dec. 19. Progressive 50/50 chances can be purchased through Dec. 24, the winner will be drawn at 1 p.m. Winners need not be present to win and will be notified.
The Handbag and Scarf Boutique is accepting donations. The Boutique consists of new or gently used purses, handbags, duffel/travel bags, clutches and wallets, along with the addition of scarves and neckerchiefs. A children and youth book section is at the Holly Bazaar. A percentage from each book sold will go back to the center. CACCC is incorporating a variety of musical entertainment including pianists, vocalists and a polka group. An entertainment schedule can be found at caccc.org. Holiday workshops, classes, and Arty Parties will be held throughout November and December. Santa Claus will be stopping by from 12-3 p.m. Dec. 17.
VOMA events
Venue of Merging Arts, 305 Chestnut St., in the Cambria City Cultural District, 814-410-2245, thevomaspace@gmail.com. BYOB for 21 and older. Doors open at 7 p.m. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26 7:30 p.m. is The Blues Gathering hosted by BLaCK CaT MOAN. The band incorporates classic blues music with their own original tunes and features TK Mundok (vocals and harp), George Byich (guitar), Brad Jamison (bass) and Rob Bonsell (drums).
Christmas Craft Shoppe
The Christmas Craft Shoppe at the Somerset Historical Center is from Nov. 26 through Dec. 24. The shoppe features local craft vendors offering a wide variety of handmade gifts.
Helen Caton Light Up Night
Helen Caton Light Up Night and Visit with Santa is 5:50-9 p.m. Nov. 26, at Festival Park, Meyers Avenue, Meyersdale.
Christmas at the Manor
Christmas at the Manor at Festival Park, 120 Meyers Ave., Meyersdale, is from 1-9 p.m. Nov. 26. Maple Manor decorated for Christmas and open for tours. Children's activities, holiday scavenger hunt, Studio 7 performances, carolers, food, maple products and souvenirs at the Country Store and craft vendors. Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m. Visit and photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Punch cards available to provide allocated times for visits so everyone gets to enjoy all that the event has to offer.
Holiday Artisan Fair
Holiday Artisan Fair featuring local craftspeople will be from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Nov. 26, at the The Tissue Farm, 446 Latrobe Ave., Confluence, info@thetissuefarmcom.
Christkindlmarket/Light up
Plan to make it a full day of fun in Uptown Somerset Nov. 26. Start with Shop Local Soco — Small Business Saturday all day. Watch for special activities and discounts. At 2 p.m., grab cup of your favorite warm beverage and shop at the Uptown Somerset Christkindlmarket located on the diamond. Vendors offer handcrafted items from knits to spices to spirits and more. Light Up Somerset 2022 will start at 5 p.m. with free cookies and hot chocolate on the steps of the Courthouse by the Soroptimist of Somerset County. The Holiday Parade kicks off at 5:45 p.m. Following the parade, uptown will be bustling with music and activities all the way to Rosina Avenue with a stage on a flatbed trailer. Forbes Trail Brewing and Vin De Matrix Winery LLC will be also offering their handcrafted beverages.
Relay For Life
Meyersdale Salisbury Berlin Relay For Life after Thanksgiving dance 8-11 p.m. Nov. 26, at the Salisbury VFW. Music by Music Express. Chinese Auction, 50/50, games, karaoke, dancing. Good will donation at the door.
Cash bash
The Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a cash bash at The Lodge at Indian Lake from 2-7 p.m. Nov. 26. Food and beverages will be served beginning at 2 p.m. The first of 26 prize drawings will be at 3:30 p.m. Participants need not be present to win. A few tickets are still available by calling 814-483-0777. Tickets can also be purchased at the door until gone. Fun and games. All proceeds benefit the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department.
CACCC’s Log Art Theatre auditions
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County will be hosting open call auditions for the 2023 Log Art Theatre season of plays, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to audition. Tryouts will include a few monologues and readings for those interested in being part of the 2023 season. No preparation required; all materials will be provided at auditions. Auditionees have to attend only one of the two audition dates. The 2023 season of productions includes: Arsenic & Old Lace — Feb. 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26; The Nerd — guest director Lance Mekeel — June 8, 9, 10, 11; and Death Trap Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre — Sept. 29, 30, Oct. 1, 6, 7, 8.
Log Art Theatre Academy will produce three productions this year with School House Rock LIVE Jr. — March 31, April 1, 2, Fame Jr Musical Theatre Camp — July 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and Alice in Wonderland — Oct. 13, 14, 15. Auditions will be held for School House Rock LIVE Jr. andAlice in Wonderland two months before the performance dates, andFame Jr Musical Theatre Campis a tuition based camp that will audition participants two weeks prior to camp beginning.
Cram-A-Van
The Salisbury-Elk Lick Education Association is holding its annual “Cram-a-Van” Toy Drive from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Dec. 1. They ask for donations of new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for children, newborn through 18 years of age. Monetary donations are also appreciated. The official drop-off date is Dec. 1, however, toys may be dropped off at the school prior to that date. The Salisbury-Elk Lick Education Association works in conjunction with the Salisbury Family Center to distribute gifts to families in the area.
Harmony Light Fest
The Harmony Light Fest drive-through celebration of Christmas, 1414 Plank Road, Hooversville, is from 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17. The theme this year is Christmas at the Zoo. Drive-up concessions are available. The fundraiser benefits the ministry of Camp Harmony.
Downtown Johnstown Christmas Market
The City of Johnstown will be hosting the Fourth annual City of Johnstown Christmas Market Dec. 2-3. It will be a craft and food event surrounding Central Park and Discover Downtown Johnstown's "Hometown Christmas." The event includes performance by Smooth Sound Jazz Band on the City Hall's steps, Greater Johnstown High School Choir, carriage rides, Santa, the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.
Christmas in the Village
Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville, Maryland, presents Christmas in the Village from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 2, and from 12-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Free trolley shuttle from Grantsville Town Park.
Spaghetti dinner
A spaghetti dinner for Alexis Haase, local paramedic and EMT as well as firefighter, is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3, at Addison Volunteer Fire Department and Confluence Volunteer Fire Department main hall. Take out only. Chinese auction and 50/50 winners will be called after the event. The winners will be pulled on Facebook Live on Addison V.F.D. Facebook page starting at 4 p.m. For more information, call Shawn at 301-616-8050. To donate basket/item, call Kristen at 724-557-4266.
Cookie & Cocoa Tour
The Uptown Somerset Cookie & Cocoa Tour, sponsored by Somerset Inc., is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3.
19th annual Storybook Holiday
The 19th annual Storybook Holiday celebration, hosted by Frostburg State University’s Children’s Literature Centre, will bring its seasonal cheer to downtown Frostburg Dec. 3. The festivities will begin at 7:30 a.m. and end with a showing of “Miracle on 34th Street” at 8 p.m. In case of inclement weather, activities will be held in the Armstrong Insurance garage. The event features a parade, storybook readings and many more family-friendly activities. In addition, attendees will have the chance to meet Santa and children’s book author and illustrator Will Hillenbrand. The day’s events begin with Breakfast With the Elves from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Hotel Gunter at 11 W. Main St. Tickets will be sold in advance at the hotel.
Following breakfast, elves will compete against one another in the Elf Olympics at the Broadway parking lot from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Attendees can head over to the parade kickoff performance in front of Hotel Gunter at the Mountain City Center for the Arts at 10:15 a.m. The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. following Run Your Bells Off for Autism, a charity fun run. Following the parade, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cocoa With the Po-Po will take place at the Frostburg Police Department at 37 S. Broadway. Then, from 11:30 a.m. to noon, the Mountain City Cloggers will perform at the Broadway parking lot. Also beginning at 11:30 a.m., and lasting until 12:30 p.m., Tail Waggin’ Tutors will give storybook readings at the Frostburg Community Library at 65 E. Main St.
Seasonal activities and attractions will be available at City Place at 14 S. Water St. from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., including Elves’ Secret Workshop, Write a Letter to Santa and Photo With an Elf. Vote for Best Elf and drop your ballot in the Best Elf Voting Box. Other attractions include sticker stops and business specials in the Main Street area. Children can visit the Miniature Railroad Display at 10 Mechanic St., Santa’s House at P.S. Hair Design at 20 S. Broadway and craft vendors in the Armstrong Insurance garage.
Hillenbrand will give a presentation and sign copies of his book, “Santa’s Story,” at the Hotel Gunter from 1 to 2 p.m. The book can be purchased at the presentation, as well as at Main Street Books. Cookie kits will be distributed to each child attending the presentation. Later, the Jack Frost Neighborhood Snowball Toss will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. throughout residential streets, followed by the Festival of Trees from 6 to 7 p.m. at City Place, which includes the lighting of the trees, a performance by the Arion Band and the arrival of a special visitor. Storybook Holiday comes to a close at 8 p.m. with a showing of the film “Miracle on 34th Street” at the Palace Theatre at 31 E. Main St. Tickets are pre-sold at Main Street Books, 2 E. Main St.
Three Centuries of Christmas in America
Discover how American Christmas traditions changed over three centuries on this special holiday tour of Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, Dec. 3 and 10. Tours are at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Space is limited and reservations are required; call 724-836-1800 ext. 210. Costumed guides lead visitors through buildings from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries adorned in period-correct decorations and share stories of Christmases past. Learn about the origins of the Christmas tree, the tradition of mailing cards, the evolution of Santa Claus, and so much more while enjoying the historical ambiance of Historic Hanna’s Town and sampling holiday treats. The Westmoreland History Shop will be open during these programs. Browse a variety of quality gifts including books for adults and children, vintage toys and games, stocking stuffers, ornaments, candles, cards and stationery, dishware, teas, baking mixes, jams, and home décor. Keep up to date on activities and events on the website; westmorelandhistory.org or visit on social: Facebook Historic Hanna’s Town & Westmoreland History, Twitter @WCHistory and Instagram @westmorelandhistory. For information about Historic Hanna’s Town and the Westmoreland Historical Society, call at 724-836-1800.
First Night at Laurel Arts
Laurel Arts First Night holiday event is Dec. 3. Doors open at 5 p.m., at 214 Harrison Ave., Somerset, for the new event called "Merry Mugs and More," a clay studio fundraiser. For a donation of $20, shoppers choose a handmade clay mug, cookies donated by local bakeries and a trip through the hot chocolate bar. A group of local artists, called the Mud Ladies, created the one-of-a-kind mugs. From 5-8 p.m. visitors can shop at the indoor Makers Market, featuring products from Star Cross Naturals, Vin De Matrix Winery, Covered Bridge Garlic Co., Firesong Studio, Curious Creations, Shop Dogs Woodwork, X-Clay-M! Jewelry, Gallery Shoppe Artisans and more. There will also be a holiday basket raffle. Additional activities for families, including children's crafts, holiday music, refreshments and a visit from Santa begin at 6 p.m. The festivities wrap up at 8 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa
The Cornucopia Cafe, Grantsville, Maryland, Breakfast with Santa is at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 10. Breakfast buffet. Schedule a visit at TheCornucopiaCafe.com.
Boswell Light Up Night
Boswell Borough Light Up Night is Dec. 4. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. Lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. Event includes Christmas carols, vendors, children't scavenger hunt and getting photo taken with Santa.
Laurel Highlands Chorale Concert
Merry Christmas From Around the World Laurel Highlands Chorale Concert is at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 4, and 7 p.m. Dec. 5, at the Somerset Church of the Brethren, 606 Plank Road, Somerset. The director is Jan Burket. Accompanist is Rick Kimmel. The Laurel Highlands Chorale is an affiliate of Laurel Arts.
A Jimmy Stewart Christmas
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County provides an evening of classic monologues and holiday music with "A Jimmy Stewart Christmas" at 6 p.m. Dec. 9. This evening will consist of monologues from Jimmy Stewart impersonator Chris Collins, the Holiday Musical Enchantments of Tim Dabbs, wine for purchase from Vin De Matrix Winery, and a catered dinner by Joey Del’s 2001 Catering. The menu includes garden tossed salad with Italian dressing, breaded chicken, Germelli Pasta ala olio with marinara sauce, Italian green beans, and double chocolate cake. This single night production will be hosted at the Community Arts Center of Cambria County, 1217 Menoher Boulevard, in the Westmont section of Johnstown. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the center at 814-255-6515 or visit the website (www.caccc.org). Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door, registration and payment is required in advance by Dec. 5. Proceeds from the event benefit the Community Arts Center of Cambria County.
Live Nativity
Conemaugh Township Area Ministries Live Nativity 2022 is from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 9, and 2-8 p.m. Dec. 10, at Davidsville Community Church, 197 Pender Road, Johnstown. A walking tour of Bethlehem, all scenes inside. Bring canned goods or monetary donation to pay your taxes to benefit local charities.
December Craft Class
Create a Christmas tree within an 11-foot triangle using glass pieces and embellishments, a glass Christmas tree, at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 10, at the Windber Community Building upstairs fitness room. Proceeds benefit ADA chairlift at the Windber Recreation Pool. Sign up on Vagaro.com under Windber CB Fitness Program.
Holiday Boutique
A Holiday Boutique will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 9-10, and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 11, at Marinell Place at Leone's Market, 1912 Graham Ave., Windber. Do your Christmas shopping at Leone's new dining area and enjoy the unique display of Windber's past. Proceeds benefit projects of Windber Area Visioning Experience (WAVE) and Windber Area Museum.
Addison holiday craft/vendor show
Addison Volunteer Fire Department's annual Holiday Craft/Vendor Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10, at 7214 National Pike, Addison. Basket raffles, 50/50 drawing, food and refreshments, kids' activities, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and more. They will be collecting pet items for local animal shelters. Show benefits Alexis Haase, local firefighter/EMT. For those with questions, call Steph/Tom at 814-521-5046 or 814-442-4607 or email 83usn03@gmail.com.
A Bethlehem Experience
The Berlin Community Churches present A Bethlehem Experience from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11. It's a free, drive-through event beginning at Berlin Brethren Church, 620 Main St., Berlin. Multiple scenes, actors, live animals and music. Canned goods will be collected for the Berlin Food Pantry. For more information, contact Three Seasons Community Church, 814-267-6599. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.
Portraying Ruth
Luella Krieger Sisters in Christ event with portrayal of Ruth, 7 p.m. Dec. 15, at St. David's Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 401 North Main St., Davidsville.
Service of Lessons and Carols
The Grand Halle on Broad Street, Cambria City, presents Service of Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. Dec. 16. Features organist Emily Roy, The Greater Johnstown Community Chorus, the Glory Ringers handbell choir, traditional Christmas carols and nine portions of the Scripture that foretell the coming of the Messiah.
Drive-thru Nativity
A drive-thru Nativity by the New Centerville Lutheran Parish will be held between 4:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17, at Chippewa Farms, 1109 Indiantown Road, Somerset. All donations benefit the Children's Aid Home, Meals on Wheels and Laurel Mountain Lutherans.
Celebrate agriculture at PA Preferred® reception
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding invited Pennsylvanians to celebrate the state’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry at the 107th PA Farm Show’s PA Preferred® Reception, where they’ll enjoy the finest in Pennsylvania-grown and produced food, drinks and desserts. The reception will be held Jan. 6, in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. “This year’s Farm Show theme, Rooted in Progress, invites visitors to explore the breadth of Pennsylvania agriculture, our heritage, and the innovations driving us forward,” said Secretary Redding. Tickets are available to the public for purchase. The ticket includes admission to the reception, parking, food and drinks, and a short program. More information, including ticketing details can be found at farmshow.pa.gov. RSVP for the event on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: What's going on for Thanksgiving and launching the Christmas season?
