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The community gathering to kick off and warm up supporters for the season of sharing, caring and giving will be held in Youngsville on Thursday, Dec. 3.

It is Simply Christmas, a Revitalization of Youngsville event.

Jim Farr, Youngsville's Mayor and committee chairperson highlighted the planned activities. "The parade plan is to start at 6 p.m. from Highland Street, down Main Street to Church Street. Arrangements are being made to have the parade include locally decorated floats, Joanne Oviatt's hand designed puppets with the assistance of the Youngsville High School (YHS) Cheerleaders, live animals, holiday costume characters, Youngsville Area Girl Scouts collecting for Toys for Tots, and festive music. No Christmas celebration would be complete without the special live appearance of Santa Claus at the parade's conclusion. Tentative activities planned for the evening include the YHS orchestra and choir, Love INC with a soup, R.O.Y. food booth, street vendors, and local church choirs. A birthday celebration for Christ at Joy Hall will start at 6:30 p.m. and repeat every half hour. People will be able to enjoy all activities from 6 to 8 p.m. "

Shops in the downtown will have open houses with refreshments and activities such as handmade ornament demonstrations, cookie decorating by the YHS Cheerleaders, and gift ideas. Restaurants invite family and friends to stop in for food and drinks. The committee encourages children to join in the music and activities set just for them.

Allegheny Artistry will have artist demonstrations during the day and evening. Each of the artists will be creating Christmas type items that will be showcased during the celebration. Joanne Oviatt, local artist, said, "We are treating it like an open house with finger foods and beverages. Details will be on our website www.artattackhere.com under the 'News' section."

A new twist on the planned traditional lighting of the Christmas tree will be having numerous Christmas trees in the downtown lighted at one time and accompanied by the YHS Choir at 6:30 p.m. As always, Santa Claus will be available for receiving children's wish lists at his workshop next to the Youngsville Pharmacy.

On Nov. 28 at 3 p.m. the community is invited to join in on the tree decorating at Mugs Cafe. Trees will be set up in the downtown. Lights, ornaments and garland will be placed on the trees during this gathering.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Revitalization of Youngsville Streetscape project.

For information visit www.youngsvillepa.org or call 563-7870. Community spirit makes sure Simply Christmas is always present, whether it rains or snows.