The annual Coplay Recreation and Welfare Association tree lighting was held Dec. 6. Association President Rick Hess, of Coplay, was all smiles as he spearheaded the community event.

Santa Claus rolled in, sitting on the top of a Coplay Fire Department truck. He delighted the kids present as he climbed down off the truck and greeted the young ones with gifts from his bag.

Hess was assisted by Therese Royer and Faye Schreiner, both of Coplay, who helped organize the gift giveaways to kids present. Karen Deutsch and Andrea Frisch staffed the free hot chocolate stand.

Soothing holiday music was played by the Greg and Lorri Duet. Greg, of Bethlehem, strummed a guitar and provided backup vocals while Lorri, from East Allen Township, was the lead vocalist. Their music helped create a warm holiday ambience.

The turnout of families was nice, with attendees clearly happy as families lined up for pictures with Santa. Borough Councilman Dean Hermany was there with his friendly 12-year-old Labrador named Reilly.

Hess said, in past years, the tree lighting was typically a free musical concert or magic show in the borough hall auditorium of the former Coplay High School at Fourth and Center streets. This year, Hess said the coordinating team chose a retro-style ceremony with old-time simplicity that focused on the tree lighting, Santa’s visit and community fellowship.

This year’s ceremony was outside, with the weather magically cooperating as the recent winds diminished.

Coplay Recreation and Welfare Association holds community-spirited activities during the year. Its commitment to organizing and running the annual tree-lighting ceremony is a gift to the borough that is enjoyed by all.

The association has served Coplay for about six decades, offering various home safety items and sponsoring events in Coplay.

If you want to join the group to work to strengthen the Coplay community or simply want to financially support its efforts, call Hess at 610-844-4282.