Published Monday, December 2, 2002
Thanks to the hard work of a group of concerned Greenville citizens, the town is decked out for the holidays this year.
Last year, the cash-strapped borough had to skip on Christmas decorations because it couldn't afford to spruce up old decorations or buy new ones. A citizen's group, the Greenville Area Preservation Association, was formed, in part, to make sure that didn't happen again.
"Christmas is something people look forward to," said Lorrie Smith, co-founder of GAPA. "When we were talking to people in the community, many of them were interested in taking part. It is something that fell into place very easily."
The refurbished Christmas wreaths can be seen on downtown light poles. Ms. Smith said the organization raised enough money to buy new lights and decorations for the town's existing wreaths and buy new decorations for Central Park.
The park's new decorations were shown off in grand style Sunday with Greenville's first light up night in two years. Despite the frigid temperatures, Ms. Smith said the turnout was good and those who braved the cold enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies donated by Perkins restaurant and musical entertainment from Greenville High School students. Santa Claus arrived via fire engine.
Downtown merchants are getting into the holiday spirit with an open house Friday.
All day long, Greenville residents and visitors can visit borough merchants to take advantage of a community open house. Merchants are offering special deals, rates and door prizes, Ms. Smith said.
The open house will also include a light display contest by local merchants. Borough merchants will have special deals, rates and door prizes to help attract people to the community.
"Some merchants will have light displays inside," Ms. Smith said, "so if you don't see decorations on the outside, go inside and check it out."
The group originally aimed to raise around $1,000 to pay for the decoration project. Through various fundraisers, including a spaghetti dinner and a "Name That Moose" contest, the group raised more than $2,500 to pay for the decorations and electricity, Ms. Smith said.
The contest culminated Sunday with the official naming of the wooden moose. Ms. Smith said GAPA members choose the name "Unity" from among hundreds of suggestions. The moose was won by Carmel Longietti, wife of borough Councilman Pete Longietti, Ms. Smith said.
Based on the success of this year, Ms. Smith said the group will probably try to raise money and plan an open house next year.
"People have really enjoyed it," she said.
You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Amanda Smith-Teutsch at: ateutsch@sharonherald.com