Gearing up for 'O Little Town'

With temperatures approaching 70, it didn't seem like the beginning of the holiday season, but John "Huggy" Rotello and his daughter Allison helped start the community's holiday spirit in Austin Sunday. Allison and her mother Lisa did the ground work while Huggy did aerial decorating.

The name has changed, but the tradition remains the same as Coudersport gears up for its holiday festival, now known as "O Little Town."

Formerly the Victorian Christmas Festival, this event is designed to draw people downtown to kick off the holiday season. O Little Town is being combined with the Coudersport Area Chamber of

Commerce "Screaming Saturday Sales," with all of the events scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9.

Christmas trees will once again line the courthouse square.

Businesses, organizations and families can purchase a tree for $12 and decorate it Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Santa Claus will turn the tree

lighting switch at 6:00. Prizes will be awarded for bestdecorated trees, with judging taking place at 2:00 Saturday afternoon.

Also on Friday night at the square, there will be free hot chocolate and carol singalongs. Hourly shuttle tours of the Coudersport area's more spectacular Christmas lighting displays will be held, starting at 6:30.

Santa Claus will be also making an appearance on Saturday. He'll receive children's Christmas wishes at the Maple Tree Restaurant from 8:00 to 10:00 during "Breakfast With Santa."

Participating businesses will be offering Screaming Saturday specials, with many extending their operating hours.

A Christmas Craft/Vendor Show is scheduled Saturday at the St. Eulalia Parish Center from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tables, at $10 each, can be reserved by contacting Tammy Clancy at Jubilee Foods, 274- 9102. Santa will drop by the Parish Center from 2:00 to 4:00.

A separate craft/vendor show is being held Saturday at Sweden Valley Manor from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

There will be an ice-carving demonstration at the Coudersport Arboretum from noon to 2:00. If there's enough snow, a Snowman Building Bash will also be held at the arboretum during those same hours.

Awards will be presented at the courthouse square gazebo Saturday afternoon at 4:30. Hourly shuttle rides to view Christmas lighting will start at 5:30.

A holiday lighting contest is also being held. Entry fee is $5.00.

For more information on O Little Town, contact Susan Cochran at 260-4515.