For more than 40 years, Everson has lit up the borough for the holidays with a community celebration.
"Everson's Starlight Night has been an Everson tradition since the 1960s," borough council President Mike Banaszak said. "The community really does look forward to it each year."
This year's celebration will be held Friday, beginning with the lighting of the town's holiday decorations and a parade at 6 p.m.
"We will light up the Christmas lights that night, and they will burn every night from then until Jan. 7," said Jim Wolak, president of Everson Civics Organization.
The parade will start at Fayette Steel on Brown Street and will continue to the Everson Fire Hall at Brown and Jones streets.
After the parade, residents are invited into the fire hall for caroling, refreshments, a 50/50 drawing and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children 10 years old and younger will receive a treat from Santa.
"Starlight Night is the kickoff for the holiday season in Everson, and it is also an opportunity for residents to socialize and have some coffee and punch while the kids are waiting for Santa Claus," Wolak said.
Cookie donations for the event are being sought and will be accepted at 5 p.m. Friday in the fire hall.
Wolak said members of his organization work throughout the year on Starlight Night, including raising funds so the entire event can be free to those who attend.
Banaszak said he's grateful to the many members of the community who give of their time to make the event special each year.
"The members of the Everson Civics Organization really work hard every year to put this on, and it could not be done without the Everson Volunteer Fire Company, who provide the hall, traffic control, coordinate the parade and they do all this without benefit to themselves," Banaszak said.
