GowandaOnline

The Gowanda Central School Choral Highlights group, under the direction of Robin Smith, performed downtown in Gowanda as part of the the village’s “Christmas in Gowanda” ‘Shop Local’ promotion. The concert was held at 6 PM on the front steps of the Persia Town Hall. Fourteen seasonal songs were presented by the group in a performance that lasted roughly half an hour.

GowandaOnline video of all 14 selections can be found at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEqyilEuKsM&list=PLKLxfsYUdIoU4G9CbkHrCN5VKW3yk_L8P&index=1

The Playlist includes:

1. How Can I Keep From Singing
2. Snow
   
3. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
4. Silent Night
5. Jingle Bells
6. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
7. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
8. The First Noel
9. Frosty the Snowman
10. Oh Christmas Tree
11. Joy To The World
12. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
13. Carol of the Bells
14. Mary Sat a Rockin’

In a new ‘Shop Local’ promotion, the first two Friday nights in December were set aside as a “Christmas in Gowanda” event. Local stores stayed open after 5 PM until 8 and additional seasonal activities were provided. I have provided this copy of the event flyer here as a historical reference to this. Additional material from the two-Friday events will be posted separately.

copied from the Gowanda News – Dec. 09, 2012

Hundreds on hand for tree lighting in Gowanda

REASON FOR THE SEASON — The Living Nativity, a popular display, was back this year and everyone was welcome to come and pet the animals that patiently stood during the event. (Photo by Mary Pankow)

ARTISTIC MERIT – This year’s Coloring Contest winners are awarded baskets of goodies for their talents. From left are Danielle Krajewski, 5-; Everett LeBarron, 4, with his dad, Brian; and Lindsey Gabel, 8. The youngsters received their prizes at last Saturday evening’s treelighting ceremony in Chang-Hu Park in Gowanda. (Photo by Mary Pankow)

TASTY TREATS -— Local bakers supply this year’s treelighting ceremony in Chang-Hu Park with plenty of treats. Hot cocoa was also served to those attending the event. Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce Secretary Lin Boats is pictured unwrapping all the goodies. (Photo by Mary Pankow)

NOTEWORTHY – Pastor Vern Saile (on guitar), Pastor Brett and vocalists from Gowanda Free Methodist Church lead the crowd in the singing of Christmas carols at the treelighting celebration. (Photo by Mary Pankow)

Copied from the Gowanda News – December 09, 2012

Santa Claus reads to the children in the lobby of the Hollywood theater last Saturday evening. After visiting with the youngsters, Santa leads everyone down to Chang-Hu Park for the annual Gowanda Christmas Treelighting Celebration. (Photo by Mary Pankow) More photos inside

Hundreds on hand for treelighting in Gowanda

Nearly perfect Weather was at hand Saturday evening, Dec. 1 for the annual treelighting sponsored by the Gowanda Area Chamber of Cormnerce.

The treelighting is held the first Saturday in December each year.

The program began at the Hollywood Theater, where Santa Clause greeted approximately 50 children (and read .a story). The children then walked with him to Chang-Hu Park, where they were g greeted by Pastor Vern Saile and a Living Nativity; including a Jerusalem donkey and two goats.

After hearing a Christmas message, parents and children, numbering in excess of 150, sang several songs. With a countdown, the tree under the gazebo was lit.

The Chamber then served hot chocolate, and cookies that were provided by ladies of local churches.

Winners of the annual Coloring Contest were also announced and presented with gift baskets. Top artists this year were Everett LeBarron, 4; Danielle Krajewski, 5; and Lindsey Gabel, 8.

The Chamber is especially grateful to Pastors Vern and Brett from the Free Methodist Church, Pastors Travis Grubbs from Immanuel Lutheran, Fred Holdridge from United Methodist and Randy Pratt from Assembly of God, and volunteers for the Living Nativity; Denise Trumpore for the Jerusalem donkey, and the Mescall family for the goats; and also Aaron Markham.