Christmas in Our Town

This talented icecarver will be back in Coudersport on Dec. 15, this time working on a Nativity scene that will be gradually created and on display by late afternoon.

'O Little Town' planned Dec. 15

Coudersport's annual "O Little Town" observance is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 15, with most activities centered at the courthouse square.

It kicks off with a family movie at noon, being shown at the Coudersport Theatre. Price of admission is a canned good, to be donated to the Coudersport Theatre.

When movie-goers emerge from the theater at 1:45, Santa Claus will be there to greet them for a firetruck escort to the courthouse square. Original plans called for an ice rink to be set up on the courthouse square, with ribboncutting scheduled for 2 p.m. However, weather conditions will probably not cooperate.

Children's activities, games, crafts and other attractions will be open at a tent on the square, from 2 to 5. There is no admission fee. One of the games will be a Great Penny Pile-Up, with pennies buried

That's WLEM Radio's Tina Lorson taking aim at her colleague Gary Mitchell. The station is sponsoring a holiday lighting contest.

in a bed of straw.

Live music and an icecarving demonstration are also planned.

Santa Claus will hear children's holiday wishes from 2 to 4; kids can also have their photos taken with Santa.

An O Little Town Art Contest is underway. Students' works will be displayed at the John White Second Street Art Gallery, across from the courthouse square, during the festival.

Santa will preside over closing ceremonies at the gazebo. A highlight will be Santa's throwing of the switch to light the decorated trees around the square. He'll also announce winners of prize drawings.

A local tradition, the recitation of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," will also be held at the gazebo.

Jubilee Foods of Coudersport is holding a steak bake from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with proceeds to benefit O Little Town.

'Christmas In The Wilds' starts now!

Cameron County's annual holiday celebration, called "Christmas in the Wilds," is on tap for Saturday.

Organizers from the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce hope to increase community involvement with the holiday activities.

A "Breakfast with Santa" will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the firehall, sponsored by the EVFD Auxiliary.

Christmas Corner drawing will be held at noon at the corner of Fourth and Broad streets. Three burgeoning gift baskets will be presented, compliments of local Chamber of Commerce affiliates. Winners must be present to claim their prizes.

Santa's Christmas Parade will step off at noon, featuring the Cameron County High School Marching Band.

Sylvan Heritage Council is holding a fundraising "Crocks and Cookies on the Corner" sale at Fourth and Broad streets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Among the items on sale will be Emporium signature Westerwald Pottery.

A holiday lighting contest is being held in conjunction with Christmas in the Wilds. This will be highlighted by the townwide "light-up night" on Saturday.

Local businesses are encouraged to have sales, open houses and extended hours in conjunction with Christmas in the Wilds. For instance, Flowers 'n Things on Fourth Street is holding an open house on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Several churches and civic organizations are holding Christmas activities this weekend.

Emporium Senior Center will have a craft and food sale Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center on South Maple Street. The senior center also plans a bingo fund-raiser on Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30.

First United Methodist Church is holding a Cookie Walk on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30, with cookie, fudge and candles on sale.

VFW Post 6221 Auxiliary is holding its Christmas Party on Sunday in the banquet room, starting at 5 p.m.

Emporium Garden Club has scheduled a Christmas hors d'oeuvres luncheon on Sunday at the Episcopal Parish Hall, starting at 2:30 p.m.