Hollidaysburg Winterfest Events to Start This Weekend

The Borough of Hollidaysburg will be making spirits bright with its annual WinterFest parade and soup sampling/light up night later this month.

The Winterfest parade will be held on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. and the Light Up Night and Soup Sampling will take place on Friday, Nov. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. Families, friends and neighbors are invited to attend both events. Both events are free to attend; soup sampling participation requires a ticket.

Local bands, choruses, cheer squads, marching units, student clubs, businesses and organizations are welcome to join the parade that will escort Santa Claus into town. There is no fee to enter. The theme of this year’s parade is “Wish Upon A Star” and all those participating are encouraged to use decorations, costumes, and props. Letters to Santa will be accepted at the parade, as well as nonperishable food items collected by Altoona Ambucs in partnership with Cub Scout Pack 3331, and toy donations collected by U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots members in partnership with Scout Troop 30. The parade will be livestreamed by Lightner Communications.

Monetary prizes will be given to the three best entries into the parade judged on creativity, originality and holiday spirit. The first-prize winner receives $100.

The 29th annual Soup Sampling, featuring local restaurants, will begin at 5 p.m. on Nov. 24 and continue until all soup is gone, followed by the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Master of Ceremonies Joe Murgo will announce People’s Choice and Mayor’s choice awards as part of the evening. Those in attendance can buy tickets to exchange for soup samples and vote for their favorite. Ice sculpting demonstration is provided by Timothy Klock, and live music is provided by Hollidaysburg Community Chorus and Altoona Brass Collective.

The tree on display at the Diamond in Hollidaysburg this season was installed last Wednesday by Hollidaysburg Borough Public Works with assistance from Kuharchik Construction Inc. Hollidaysburg Shade Tree Commission Chairman Terry Wilt said the over 30-foot tall pine tree was donated by Altoona resident Mary Morris.

More information about these festivities including parade signup forms, soup sampling entry forms and volunteer opportunities can be found on the Hollidaysburg Borough’s Facebook page. You can also ask questions/request applications by email (mramsey@hollidaysburgpa.org).