Luminaria, Musicians Will Brighten Schuylkill Canal Walk

MONT CLARE, PA — Just across the river from Phoenixville, the lights will be bright on Dec. 12, as Mont Clare hold its Holiday Luminaria walking tour along the Schuylkill Canal.

The Mont Clare 2020 Holiday Luminaria is Dec. 12 from 5-8 p.m. The event is held along the Schuylkill Canal from Bridge Street (Rt. 29) up to Lock 60 and at St. Mike's Park in Mont Clare. It is sponsored by the Schuylkill Canal Association.

All visitors are invited to stop by the pavilion at St. Mike's for a warm beverage and individually wrapped snack. Walk-in visitors may enter through Towpath Road or St. Mike's. Drive-in visitors are welcome to enter through St. Mike's and will walk to Canal Park along a luminaria-lined gravel access road.

Event organizers said visitors may enjoy the walking tour, but ask them not to congregate in any one area for too long.

Music is part of the event. Meadowlark will be playing at St. Mike's Pavilion and another string duo will be at Lock 60.

A few changes were made this year to ensure the follows all COVID-19 public health recommendations, the organizers said. Hand sanitizers will be placed throughout the pavilion and program area. All visitors must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.

Restrooms will be available at the Lock 60 garage. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Locktender's House will not be open.

Towpath Road will be closed to all automobiles except emergency service vehicles and handicap tag holders. Free parking will be available at St. Mike's Park located at the end of Jacobs Street in Mont Clare. Weather conditions may limit available parking.

The all-outdoor event means participants should dress for whatever weather conditions are forecast and may want to bring a warm beverage in an insulated container. If there is a steady downpour of rain, the even would be cancelled, organizers said.

Santa is not expected to show up for the event but he promised to send some gift bags for the kids.

There is no admission charged, but donations will be gladly accepted, the Schuylkill Canal Association said.

For more information and directions, please email us at info@schuylkillcanal.com, or visit the web at www.schuylkillcanal.org. The parking site address is: 400 Jacobs Street, Mont Clare, PA 19453.