In a festive endeavor to brighten up the holiday season, the Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce has embarked on the "Miracle on Main Street" Christmas Light Campaign.
The initiative aims to replace the classic Candle Christmas Lights adorning Main Street in Mahanoy City with a dazzling array of new Snowflake Lights.
Jeff Bowers, the President of the Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce, and Dawn Frye, the Treasurer, shared insights into the campaign and its goals.
The first phase of the project saw the installation of new LED snowflakes at the intersection of Main and Centre Streets in 2022. Following this success, the Chamber launched the Miracle on Main Street Campaign in October to secure funding for an additional 11 LED snowflakes to be displayed along Main Street, replacing the Christmas light candles that had line Main Street for decades.
The campaign not only promises to infuse the town with the magic of Christmas but also seeks to enhance the borough's aesthetic appeal. "This project is about more than just holiday cheer; it's about beautifying our community" explained Frye.
With a total cost of approximately $11,000 for all 11 snowflakes, each piece comes with a price tag of around $900. Local business JRL Emergency Services demonstrated community spirit by saving over $1,000 in shipping costs, opting to personally pick up and deliver the snowflakes to Mahanoy City from Allentown.
With a total cost of approximately $11,000 for all 11 snowflakes, each piece comes with a price tag of around $900. Local business JRL Emergency Services demonstrated community spirit by saving over $1,000 in shipping costs, opting to personally pick up and deliver the snowflakes to Mahanoy City from Allentown.
The new lights were installed Wednesday.
Since launching the campaign in October, the Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce has made significant strides in fundraising, collecting over $4,500 in donations. This impressive progress represents nearly half of their $11,000 goal, showcasing the community's enthusiasm for the festive project.
The Chamber is still seeking donations to help fund the remainder of the project. Those wishing to donate to the campaign should reach the Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce by calling (570) 778-8937. Donations are also being accepted through Paypal at https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/machamber17948 or being sent directly to the Chamber at Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 248, Mahanoy City PA 17948.
Importantly, the Miracle on Main Street Christmas Light Campaign emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming contributions from individuals and families. One heartwarming gesture came from a local family who donated $1,000 in memory of their late mother, a Christmas enthusiast.
The Christmas light campaign isn't the only project that the Chamber has been working on. They have been working on the upcoming Mahanoy City Christmas Tree Lighting with the Mahanoy City Community Events Committee. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday November 25, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m at the intersection of Centre and Catawissa Streets.
This year's event will include Christmas music, food trucks, free horse and trolley rides, music from Black Ties and Pearls, and of course a visit from Santa Claus.
Importantly, the Miracle on Main Street Christmas Light Campaign emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming contributions from individuals and families. One heartwarming gesture came from a local family who donated $1,000 in memory of their late mother, a Christmas enthusiast.
The Christmas light campaign isn't the only project that the Chamber has been working on. They have been working on the upcoming Mahanoy City Christmas Tree Lighting with the Mahanoy City Community Events Committee. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday November 25, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m at the intersection of Centre and Catawissa Streets.
This year's event will include Christmas music, food trucks, free horse and trolley rides, music from Black Ties and Pearls, and of course a visit from Santa Claus.
Story and Photos by J. Reed / Skook News
