ST. MARYS — The City of St. Marys will be bright with numerous holiday festivities Saturday during its 2023 Light Up Night event.

Activities will take place throughout town from 4 to 6 p.m., with more than 18 downtown businesses and organizations offering something special for people and families, such as holiday treats, crafts and others.

The Light Up Night Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Children will be able to take selfies with Frosty the Snowman, and meet Santa Claus at the Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys following the parade.

St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce coordinator Rachel Lampe said the parade includes fire trucks, ambulances, search and rescue and other emergency vehicles, decorated ATVs, floats, high school bands, the Elk County Cruisers group and more participants.

The Children’s Center will host its annual celebration from 2 to 4 p.m., and the Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys will host “Write a letter to Santa” from 3 to 5 p.m. All other activities will take place from 4 to 6 p.m.

“The Chamber of Commerce organizes this event each year, and it is always well attended, even in poor weather,” Lampe said. “Area businesses get into the holiday spirit, and it makes downtown feel very festive.”

The day also marks Small Business Saturday, she noted, giving the public opportunities to shop small and local.

“I hope this will encourage and remind people to support all of the local businesses as they prepare for their holiday gift-giving celebrations,” Lampe said. “St. Marys is especially lucky to have a wide variety of stores, services, and restaurants.”

Lampe noted the chamber is grateful to City Manager Joe Fleming and the city’s street department for its assistance in hanging the lights for this event.

Specific participating businesses/organizations and event details can be found on the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.