The Northampton Hometown Holidays event Nov. 22 was a fabulous success. A number of attendees filled the grounds at the recreation center on Lerchenmiller Drive.

The turnout at the event was striking, growing as the day went on. By the conclusion of the program, which included performances by the Good Shepherd Catholic School elementary school choir and the Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy of Northampton, attendees were eager to see the lighting of the tree.

Hundreds of people gathered by the large, beautifully decorated tree. The master of ceremonies, borough Manager Brian Welsko, led the countdown as the delighted crowd joined in. When the tree lights were lit, there was excitement and a celebratory applause from attendees.

After the tree lighting, a fire truck arrived with a special passenger. The kids attending ran to the truck to greet Santa Claus.

Santa thrilled the kids with his beloved “Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!” He spent time with the kids, asking them what they wanted for Christmas.

The event offered activities and experiences for all ages — a large bounce house, face painting, wearable balloons by Tootsie the Clown, food trucks, vendors with a variety of items for sale, a farm animal petting area, pictures with Santa and more. The Grinch and Frosty the Snowman were also walking around to meet with attendees.

The Hometown Holidays event was truly multigenerational — parents with their children and grandparents with their grandchildren. Families, friendship and fellowship were abundant. One could sense the attendees shared community connection as people browsed the grounds.

Council Vice President Ronald Glassic was all smiles at the success of the event. He hobnobbed with attendees and noted the event has the opportunity and space to grow into an even larger celebration.

For decades, Northampton Borough held a holiday tree-lighting ceremony in downtown Northampton on Main Street. It was a small, popular, well-attended and greatly appreciated gathering. The event grew and the location of the tree ceremony at Main Street and Laubach Avenue was deemed too small.

A group, including elected leaders, borough administration and community volunteers, assembled with a goal of developing a large holiday gathering in a spacious location. They decided to hold the celebration at the recreation center, 1 Lerchenmiller Drive.

“I don’t know if I’m more impressed with the expanded festival or the turnout and support of our community,” Northampton Mayor Anthony Pristash said. “Either way, it’s obvious to everyone the excitement of this tree lighting has grown exponentially.”