An estimated 3,000 visitors braved the cold temperatures to spend an evening at Main Bird Park for Christmas in Birdsboro.
This year’s event began with 64 runners in the annual Santa Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run and ended with Mayor Tony Scioli lighting the tree as the laser light show and fireworks filled the sky.
Whitney Kline of Douglassville and her son Kerrigan, 9, enjoyed the outdoor laser light show on Dec. 14
“It’s cool,” said Kerrigan, asking his mom where they could see another light show.
“This is awesome,” said Whitney. “We saw the lights when we were over by the firepit and they drew us in.”
Santa arrived at Main Bird Park via a Birdsboro-Union Fire Department fire truck, walked through the park greeting kids and settled into his chair in the gazebo to pose for photos.
“Having fun with the kids and everyone giving high fives is the best part of playing Santa,” said Jack Bennicoff who portrayed Santa for the second year. “It’s pretty cool.”
In addition to Santa, several other costumed characters like an elf, the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph.
“I’m loving this,” said Eli Miller, 15, Daniel Boone High School Key Club member who volunteered to dress as Roudolph. “It’s keeping me nice and warm.”
History of Christmas in Birdsboro
Christmas in Birdsboro was started in 2009.
“The event was slimmed down for a few years after the Parks and Recreation board folded, the name was changed to Birdsboro Hometown Christmas,” said Christmas in Birdsboro Committee Chair Christen Thompson.
A Parks and Recreation board was formed again in 2020 and the name was changed back to Christmas in Birdsboro in 2021. fundraising efforts have led back to big items like bounce houses and fireworks. A laser show was added this year due to the burn ban.
“We had to switch gears and quickly find a replacement for the fireworks due to the burn ban,” said Thompson. “Then, after booking the laser show, the burn ban was lifted. We realized we could do both fireworks and the laser show — we had enough sponsorships to cover the cost of both.”
There were three, 20-minute laser shows consisting of four full-color lasers and fog and haze all run by four generators. The fog and haze make the lasers visible outdoors.
“These aren’t just any lasers,” said Robert Severski Jr. of Lehigh Valley Events. “They’re high-power lasers, so you have to get a variance to run them.”
Lehigh Valley Events has been doing laser shows for about four years.
“More and more townships are reaching out because either fireworks are banned, or are too expensive, or are loud for pets,” said Severski. “This is a good alternative.”
Full day of fun for all ages
After the Santa Run, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center was open for Santa’s Workshop Arts and Crafts Show featuring over 60 crafters, Gourmet Hot Cocoa, and a Tasting Event with Ridgewood Winery, Hidden River Brewing Company and Sheltered Valley Cider.
For the second year, Aaron Gulla set up part of his train collection in the Community Center, including nine trains and 24 amusement rides from a roller coaster to a Ferris wheel to a drop tower slide.
“I’m happy to share my trains,” said Gulla who has been collecting trains for 15 years. “They bring back memories and joy.”
The festivities continued that afternoon and evening at Main Bird Park, which was filled with food trucks, vendors and local nonprofit groups, as well as a bonfire and free hay wagon ride down Main Street in Birdsboro.
Moving Communities To Christ Church and Friends provided a live nativity scene.
Immaculate Conception Academy gave out 200 soft pretzels.
Activities for children included holiday-themed inflatables that kept them bouncing, sliding and climbing. They loved taking a ride in the Birdsboro Nazarene Church-sponsored barrel train which ran through a lighted tunnel set up by the Christmas in Birdsboro committee using a greenhouse frame and net lights.
Home Depot offered 300 wood craft kits for children to build.
Jaleah Perez, 11, said it was easy to construct a toolbox, one of six items available.
Home Depot offers free kids’ craft workshops on the 1st Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon.
Entertainment included performances by Turning Pointe Dance Studio, Daniel Boone High School band and chorus, Daniel Boone Middle School Select Chorus and Abundant Life’s band.
Event-goers wrote wishes on ornaments to hang on a Community Prayer Tree sponsored by St. Paul’s UCC. Messages included prayers for the sick, remembrances of loved ones, and hope for a Merry Christmas.
Source: Berkshire mont