Every year, Santa Claus arrives in Sharpsville during a parade on Light-Up Night, and children and adults alike gather to watch the Christmas tree at the municipal building come to life.

But this year, Sharpsville's Light-Up Night on Friday falls a little less than four weeks after a tornado devastated Clark and portions of South Pymatuning Township.

As a tribute to those who aided in the disaster's aftermath, vehicles from the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, as well as volunteer fire trucks from Sharpsville, Clark and South Pymatuning, will make their way down the parade route.

"I was moved by all of the effort that these organizations put in to help relieve the crisis in Clark and South Pymatuning during the tornado disaster," said Sharpsville Mayor Kenneth P. Robertson. "This is Sharpsville's way of saluting these groups for their effort."

The parade starts at 6 p.m. at Seventh and Main streets and ends at the municipal building on Walnut Street. Robertson calls the parade "an escort for Santa Claus."

Although the tornado passed by Sharpsville, the three communities have close ties. All are part of Sharpsville Area School District and there are some shared services.

Robertson said he is encouraging people to make contributions to those organizations that helped the South Pymatuning and Clark residents after the tornado.

"I think we need to step up and help if we can because we found out firsthand what they can do," he said, adding that the volunteer fire companies in particular have been strained financially.

"I know they were affected tremendously. It was a costly tragedy for them," he said. "We need to rejuvenate them because they were hit hard."

The parade will be followed by a tree-lighting ceremony at the municipal building, and Santa Claus will visit with all the kids.