Lansdale Parks & Rec Pleased with Weekend Holiday Events

Now that Christmas season is in full swing in Lansdale Borough, the parks and recreation department couldn't be more pleased with all the events that ushered it last weekend.

Carl Saldutti, parks and recreation director for Lansdale, said the weather was a big factor that played into the success of the weekend of November 30.

"It was a nice weekend of holiday events in the community. The tree lighting went quite well. There are a lot of people that make that event the success that it is," Saldutti said.

Of them: Lansdale Borough Electric Department, who erected the Christmas tree and set up the Santa House.

"They did a remarkable job getting the Santa House wired up for us," Saldutti said.

Public Works, did the "things necessary" to assist in the weekend's events, including setting up barricades for the tree lighting.

Lansdale Police, he said, safely monitored the event. Parks and Recreation, including Joanne Grubb, took care of "the big picture stuff."

"The support from council and (borough manager) Timi's office is helpful," he said.

Saldutti also thanked Clemens Family Corp. for donating more than 600 hot dogs to attendees.

"It's their time, it's their people," he said.

Rosenberger's also provided more than 500 drinks at the lighting. 

"They do pay for some of it; they match it with a contribution," Saldutti said.

North Pen High School's Chorus, led by Matt Klenk, performed at the lighting.

"To the kids involved, we thank them as well," Saldutti said.

Montgomery County Concert Band director Steve Frederick emceed the lighting — and later led the TubaChristmas event on Sunday, along with Chuck Neidhardt.

"He does a remarkable job," Saldutti said. "He loves doing it so much. We loved having him with us Friday and Sunday."

Fairmount Fire Co. wasn't overlooked in Saldutti's praises. It was Chief Joe Stockert, Chief Engineer Bill Starrett and their crew who cooperated with the department to bring Santa Claus to the tree lighting, he said.

Little Miss Lansdale Madison Archer was thanked for her honorable appearance at the lighting. 

Randall Rosenberg, of Poplar Street, was thanked for his donation of the Christmas tree.

Finally, Saldutti saved a big thanks to the Booz family, proprietors of Chantilly Floral Boutique at West Main and Walnut streets.

"I can't say enough about the entire Booz family," Saldutti said. "They were instrumental in helping us."

Clifford Booz played Santa Claus, like he's done for many years, Saldutti said. Marge Booz coordinated the decoration of Santa's sled. Booz's daughter Barbara Thompson provided "endless hours" to decorating borough hall, Railroad Plaza and the sleigh.

Young Becca Booz was one of Santa's elves, along with Bronwyn Gray. Faylene Gray played Mrs. Claus.

"That's what made the Friday night event the success that it was," Saldutti said.

The Santa House opened for the season on Friday, Nov. 30 too. It reopened again Saturday morning and again Sunday. This schedule repeats until Dec. 22.

"We had about 140 children on Friday," Saldutti said. "We had three dozen on Saturday in two hours. We were pleased with that as well."

While it was not a parks and recreation or Discover Lansdale-sponsored event, the Lansdale Historical Society's holiday open house at Jenkins Homestead had "a happy flow," Saldutti said.

Councilwoman and Committee Chairwoman Mary Fuller confirmed the popularity of the event.

Saldutti said Lansdale was one of several hundred communities that put on a TubaChristmas event. When it premiered in Lansdale 13 years ago, Lansdale was one of about 80 communities that had the event.

Prior to the 2 p.m. TubaChristmas, the North Penn High Brass Ensemble performed at the event, led by Michael Britcher.

"Parks and recreation was one of the central organizations that made the thing work," Saldutti said. "It's nice to see the support we have to make things possible."

Coming up: Lansdale's Menorah Lighting on December 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Railroad Plaza with a performance by Horns of Hanukkah. The event is spearheaded by resident Alan Gold and North Penn Arts Alliance member and Montgomery County Concert Band member Kim Newell.

Also, Lansdale Library holds a Gingerbread House contest on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. at the parks and recreation office at Lansdale Avenue and Seventh Street.