For at least 12 years, the West Lampeter Township has hosted an annual tree-lighting ceremony inside the Lampeter Fire Company. "It's been a well-oiled machine for a while now," said event coordinator Anne Dunnenberger. "People who have been involved with it just know what to do, and they just do it, and it all comes together. The community really, really enjoys it."
Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held outside on the grounds of the West Lampeter Township municipal building, 852 Village Road, Lampeter. Amanda Hickman, community development director with the West Lampeter Township, hung decorations and string lights, which made the occasion more festive. According to Dunnenberger, the upcoming ceremony will be like last year's because people were able to practice social distancing.
The annual West Lampeter Township tree-lighting ceremony will take place in front of the township's municipal building on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Festivities will begin with a performance from Melanie's Miracles baton-twirling troupe. The Lampeter-Strasburg High School marching band will provide live music and play "Oh, Christmas Tree" around 7 p.m. Following the song, a countdown will begin, and then the tree will be lit. Santa Claus will also make an appearance on a fire truck, and he plans to hand out candy canes.
There will be hot chocolate and cookies for attendees, and children will receive treat bags. The Girl Scouts of the Hans Herr Service Unit will provide crafts for kids to either make at the event or take home. Dunnenberger said she is very appreciative of everyone, especially the volunteers from the fire companies of Lampeter and Willow Street, who helps make the event possible.
"If we can do positive things in our community, and people can support them, I think that's what our children need to see," said Dunnenberger. "Even though we don't agree on everything, we can still come together. It's important to have these traditions and try to continue them."
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