Residents and visitors to Harmony will ring in the new year Dec. 31 on German time, celebrating the borough's deep German roots.
The New Year's Eve celebration, called Silvester, began in the 4th century, commemorating Pope Sylvester I, who died on the last day of the year 335. Harmony's version began in 2007.
“To see the town square filled — all you see are heads and people — it's a really happy sight,” said Harmony Mayor Cathy Rape. “It's kind of like our own miniature Times Square.”
Harmony's German heritage goes back to the late 18th century, when Lutheran Separatists from southwestern Germany came to the area and founded the Harmony Society. The group later left the area, but the name remained.
Susie Altemus, borough parks board chairwoman, said it's meaningful to celebrate the new year in a way that celebrates the borough's German heritage.
“There are a lot of things to do in the town — things for the kids, the shops and museums are open and there are a lot of activities going on,” she said.
From 2-5:30 p.m., the Harmony Museum will charge $2 for self-guided tours and offer free showings of “Dinner for One,” a short, 1960s film popular in Germany's New Year's Eve celebrations. Starting at 3:30 p.m., a pork and sauerkraut dinner will be available.
People can participate in Bleigiessen, the German tradition of using the shape of melted lead to divine how bright the new year may be.
“It's all a very family-oriented event, and because it is, it's become a family tradition for a lot of people,” Aletmus said.
Those with resolutions to get in shape can start a little early with a 5K at 3 p.m. or a 1-mile run at 3:45 p.m. through town. Rape said the race began with crowds of about 200 runners, but last year had more than 600.
“We just never thought it would take off as much as it did,” she said.
Megan Guza is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-779-6902 or mugza@tribweb.com.
