SMETHPORT – At the opening ceremonies of Hometown Holidays on
the steps of the courthouse Friday night, Santa and Mrs. Claus gave
the signal to turn on the lights in the Main Street business
district, officially opening the Christmas shopping season in
town.

Jack and Marilyn Rosenswie, chairmen of the seventh annual
Hometown Holidays, welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus to the courthouse
steps after they arrived by a Smethport Fire Department truck with
an escort from the Smethport Police Department. A recording of “It
Must Be Santa” greeted the couple as they mingled with the children
in the crowd.

Seth Digel, commander of the Bucktail Post #138, Smethport
American Legion, offered remarks about “Remember Our Veterans at
Christmas.”

“As we stand here tonight,” Digel said, “we feel safe and
secure, although perhaps, chilly. Our country’s freedoms are the
reason we can assemble here and celebrate our wonderful holidays
and traditions. These guarded freedoms have been protected by
veterans of our past and present and will be protected by veterans
of the future. During this holiday season, give thanks to our
country’s veterans – those serving at home and abroad – especially
in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Freedom isn’t free,” Digel noted. “Our right to celebrate the
special holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s and Kwanza is
protected by the brave men and women in our Armed Forces.”

Following the ceremonies at the courthouse, the crowd was
invited to Holly Hall in the Courtyard Restaurant banquet hall,
which was attractively decorated by Troy Herzog, Gary Herzog and
his staff at the restaurant. There, the children enjoyed meeting
and having their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and
receiving candy canes.

At 7 p. m. Friday, a committee of senior citizens toured the
town judging the home decorating contest. Three monetary prizes
will be awarded.

Hometown Holidays continues toady and Sunday and also has
scheduled events on December 2 and 10.