Holiday Guide
Old Fashioned Christmas
Bradford’s Annual Christmas Parade
Bartlett House Victorian Christmas
Palmer Opera House ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Salamanca Silver Bells
Allegany State Park Saturday with Santa And More!
Cutco depicted on Olean Chamber’s 2025 ornament
Cutco Cutlery Corporation is the featured business on the 2025 Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce holiday ornament.This year’s edition is the 31st ornament in a series created by artist Kathleen McDonald.
Having been in business for more than 75 years, Cutco is a vital part of the Olean area. The company manufactured high-quality kitchen cutlery and accessories at their location on East State Street since 1949 and today employs mored than 600 people.
“We are honored to have been selected as the feature on the 2025 GOACC ornament,” says Cutco President and CEO Jim Stitt. “We are fortunate to have been part of the Olean community through the decades and are committed to staying here for years to come.”
The Cutco ornament is available at the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, (716) 372-
4433. Previous years’ ornaments are also available for sale in the Chamber office, or online at shop. oleanny.com.
The 2024 holiday ornament was a depiction of Hi-Ho Drive In on East State Street.
Previous years’ ornaments include Angee’s Restaurant, Basilica of St. Mary’s of the Angels Church, Beef N’ Barrel, Boardmanville School, Bradner Stadium, Castle Restaurant, Chuck Wagon, Cloud 9, Community Bank Building, Downtown Olean, Fannie E. Bartlett House, First Presbyterian Church, Henry Hill NAPA, Ivers J. Norton Elementary, Nutty O’ St. Nick, Olean Class Cars, Olean General Hospital, Olean High School, Olean Municipal Building, Olean Public Library, Palace Theater, Portville Pioneer Park, Red’s & Trudy’s, Santa Claus Lane, St. Francis Hospital, St. Bonaventure University and Tasta Pizza.
2025 Tree of Life ornament a silver angel design
The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation introduced its 30th annual Tree of Life ornament for the 2025 holiday season. Every year, HomeCare & Hospice and the communities they serve come together to honor and remember lost loved ones with personalized ornaments.
This year’s local Tree of Life ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, 115 E. Main St., Allegany.
This year’s ornament is a beautiful silver angel design symbolizing peace,
comfort and remembrance. The ornaments are $20 each with engraving. They may be displayed at the Tree of Life Ceremony of one’s choice, picked up at a HomeCare & Hospice office or shipped directly to your home or someone else for an additional $5 per ornament.
Past historical ornaments are also available for $10 local pickup or $15 shipped. To purchase an ornament or learn more about this year’s Tree of Life ceremonies, visit 2025treeoflife.givesmart. com or contact the Allegany office at (716) 372-2106.
Old Fashioned Christmas returns
By Savannah Barr
BRADFORD — There’s nothing like nostalgia to welcome the holiday season. The sights and sounds of days gone by will come alive during the annual Old Fashioned Christmas celebration set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Come out and experience festive cheer while supporting small businesses.
Throughout the day, participating downtown retailers will offer special promotions and holiday incentives, giving shoppers plenty of opportunities to support local stores and check gifts off their list. Hours and deals will vary by location.
The fun starts bright and early with Breakfast with Santa slated for 8 to 11 a.m. at Beefeaters, 27 Congress St. Families can also have a sweet time enjoying some hands-on holiday fun while decorating donuts from 10 a.m. to noon at Dunkin Donuts, 9 Chautauqua Place, or treat decorating from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shellybean’s Sweets, 62 Main St. (entrance on Chambers Street).
Little ones can warm up and settle in for Storytime with Mrs. Claus, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at On the Side Books on Kennedy Street.
A beloved favorite returns as well. Once again, Kathy Obermeyer, ERA Team VP Real Estate, will host free horse and carriage rides down Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The holiday spirit continues into the evening with the 2025 Winter Wine Walk, set for 3:30 to 8 p.m.
Local wineries will be stationed inside participating shops including Seeds and Stems, Small Town Girl Boutique, Little Fabric Garden and Main Street Mercantile. Guests can sample from 13 different regional wineries, including Little Mountain Winery, Winery at Wilcox and Bradford Brew Station.
Tickets are $20 per person and are available at Michelle’s Flair for Hair, 104 Main St. or online through eventbrite.com. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold, in 30-minute time slots. For more information, contact events@bradfordpa.org.
‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)’ is coming
Tired of performing “A Christmas Carol” for the umpteenth time, three fearless actors will take the stage in Olean with an outrageous plan to perform every Christmas story ever told.
That’s right, every cherished holiday tale, beloved character, carol and tradition, all crammed into one fast-paced, hilarious and heartwarming celebration of the season.
Part vaudeville, part “Complete Works of William Shakespeare” (Abridged), and entirely holiday cheer, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” is a whirlwind of laughter and nostalgia. From Frosty to Rudolph, from the Grinch to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” no festive favorite is spared in this madcap romp through holiday history and pop culture.
“It’s all of your basic Christmas shows thrown into a blender and poured out, mostly recognizable, onto the stage,” says Al Bernstein, who also stars alongside Darrell Klute
NBCUniversal/TNS
and Jake Riggs.
Joining the cast are Angie Emley and Jen Klute, who will be playing the roles of “Cindy.” The production will be produced by Paula Bernstein.
The trio performs with wild energy, racing through centuries of holiday stories and traditions in just 90 minutes. The show opens with Jake’s
overly serious portrayal of Scrooge, only to be hilariously derailed by Al and Darrell, who refuse to repeat the same old story again. What follows is a fast, funny, and joyfully chaotic tour through everything Christmas, from global customs to pop icons and every carol ever sung.
Written by John K. Alvarez, Michael Carleton and James FitzGerald, with original music by Will Knapp, this updated revival, licensed through Playscripts, Inc., brings new twists, sharper timing and a few fresh surprises.
“It was such a fun show,” Bernstein says. “Some towns have performed it for 20 years straight. The whole team returned for this revival, but we’ve fine-tuned it
with new material and ideas. Even if you saw it a few years ago, you’ll want to see it again.”
Performances of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” will run from Dec. 11 through Dec. 14, with evening shows that Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. at The Olean Theatre Workshop, 702 Washington St.
As a special holiday event, audience members who bring a donation of warm pajamas or diapers to benefit Operation Warm Hearts, Inc. will receive discounted tickets at the door. One donated item per person will reduce the ticket price to $8, while two donated items per person will lower it to $5.
All other tickets are $10 and are available at the door or online at oleanworkshop.org/tickets. Online ticket sales will begin on Dec. 1.
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” is suitable for all ages, though parents should note that the existence of Santa may be humorously debated.
Prepare for a festive, frenzied, fa-la-la-la-laughout-loud good time as three merry maniacs and their trusty crew bring you every Christmas story ever told, holiday traditions from around the world, every carol ever sung — and every holiday icon from Dickens to Frosty to the Grinch.
A scene from the iconic Christmas TV special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” which first aired in 1964.
Bradford’s annual Christmas Parade returns Dec. 5
The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas Parade — sponsored by CNB Bank — at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 on Main Street.
The parade will feature floats, music, holiday lights and the Bradford Area High School Marching Band. The chamber is currently seeking participants to enter floats. Awards will be given for Best Business Float, Best Nonprofit Float, Best Church Float, Best Emergency Vehicle and Best Entertainment.
Santa Claus will light the Christmas tree in the gazebo at Veterans Square to close the evening.
United Way of the Bradford Area will sell hot cocoa in front of the Chamber office, with proceeds benefiting its 2025 campaign.
“This parade is one of our favorite community traditions,” said Chamber President Heidi Scrivo. “It’s a time when local families, businesses and organizations come together to celebrate the season and showcase the best of Bradford’s community spirit.”
Float registration forms are available at bradfordchamber.com. For more information, contact the chamber at (814) 368-7115 or heidi@bradfordchamber.com.
Bartlett House preparing for Victorian Christmas, other events
OLEAN — Two months of decorating are about to pay off at the Fannie E. Bartlett House.
The city-owned historic home is set to open the doors for various holiday events this season, starting off with the annual Victorian Christmas event this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
Gail Feuchter, the site’s events coordinator, told the Times Herald that the entire property was just about fully decorated with more than 40 Christmas trees for visitors this holiday season.
“Oct. 5 is when we started — and we’re just putting on the final touches now,” she said, crediting the work of six volunteers and students from the life skills class at Olean High School under Leah Graves. “They always help me decorate the fence outside.”
On Black Friday, the annual Victorian Christmas event will coincide with the city’s Santa Claus Lane parade. From 6 to 9 p.m., the Queen Anne-style home at 302 Laurens St.
will open its doors for public tours and refreshments.
On Dec. 6, Santa Claus will visit the site for pictures and merriment. The house will open at 12:30 p.m., and Santa will arrive at 1 p.m. Music students from Olean High School will perform carols and music for the season.
Along with regular operating hours of noon-4 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday, the Bartlett House will be open from 6-8 p.m. on the first three Monday nights of December.
The Bartlett House is still accepting raffle basket donations, Feuchter said, and donors may contact her at (716) 376-5642. Also on the property, the Olean Pointe Museum will be open from 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays during the holiday season. The Queen Anne-style house was originally built in 1881 by George Fore-
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Photo by Bob Clark
A Christmas tree holds photos of historic Olean residents at the Fannie E. Bartlett House.
man, and purchased in 1891 by Frank and Fannie Bartlett for $15,000 — close to half a million dollars in today’s money. The house features nine rooms decorated in turn-of-the-century Victoriana and seven fireplaces, each different in design and composition. The house is part of the Oak Hill Park Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The city took title to the property in 1990. In 1998, conversion of the old carriage house to the Olean Point Museum was completed.
Photos by Bob Clark
A room at the Fannie E. Bartlett House decorated for Christmas.
Kick-off to Christmas begins Nov. 28 in Coudersport
COUDERSPORT — It’s sure to be a magical time in the heart of Potter County! The Coudersport Chamber of Commerce Festival of Lights is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 28 on the Courthouse Square. Christmas trees will be decorated, lights will be turned on, gingerbread houses will be created and a parade will be held with Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department escorting Santa Claus to the Square.
Enjoy a winter wagon ride through town. Play the Christmas Path game and discover prizes along the way. The winner of the decorating contest will be announced, plus lights, laughter and holiday joy
all around.
Bring your family, bundle up and celebrate the season with us — Coudersport’s Festival of Lights is the perfect way to kick off Christmas.
On Nov. 29, Coudersport will shine with Christmas in a Small Town from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local merchants will put out their wares, Santa will be at the Eliot Ness Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and there will be food trucks, shopping, music, giveaways, wineries and hopefully a little snow. Vendors can be found in the Gunzburger Gym, First Street — Cream ‘n Sugar, Mama Made, The Riley Gallery, Ness Museum &
Chamber of Commerce Office (formerly Domestic Relations)
Please visit Coudersport Pharmacy, Hauber’s Jewelry, Maureen Cracknell,
Always in Bloom, The Artisan Center, Dear Evelyn & Aloe and More for great holiday gifts. Farmers Market will be set up in The Riley Gallery.
Christmas concert set
COUDERSPORT — A free community Christmas concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Coudersport Consistory. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
A cookie reception will follow. Wear your holiday best. A good will donation will be collected.
A VIP pre-concert reception will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for $25 per ticket. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served. Tickets can be purchased from any Coudersport Rotary mem-
ber, at the Coudersport Consistory, C&N Bank or Northwest Bank. The concert will feature the Consistory Choir, Allegheny Good Time Singers, Coudersport Elementary and High schools choirs, Rebecca Lehman, Essence of Motion Dance Studio, North Country Voices, Hebron Center Christian School, Ty Woodard-Furman, Megan Ambrose, Ronan Bray, Jerry Bish, Addilyn Darrah, Calli Darrahm Landon Myers, Ray Sprout and more.
Palmer Opera House to present ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
CUBA — The Palmer Opera House announces performances of its Christmas production, Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m.
This show is a delightful holiday production that combines storytelling and music to entertain its audiences. Children ages 4 and up will be transported to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, where our heroes are in a struggle to save Christmas. This production is under 60 minutes — perfect for our youngest theatre lovers and the young at heart.
‘Twas the Night Before
Christmas is directed by Paul A. Nelson and produced by Michele Conklin. Other members of the production team include Lighting Designer Diane Willard, Sound Designer Eric Morehouse and Scenic Designers Rick Root, Carolyn Root and Connie Doyle. The ensemble consists of actors from Wellsville, Olean and Cuba, including Izzy Tinder, Chloe Clark, Tristian DeFiore, Bella Wenslow and Jim Chastain. The doors to the theatre open 30 minutes before the curtain time. Tickets are $5 each or $15 per family. Call Michele Conklin at the Palmer Opera House for tickets at (585) 209-5512.
Skip the stress and shop small this season
By Savannah Barr
Who hasn’t had the frustrating experience of ordering something online, only to discover — when it finally arrives — that it’s nothing like what you expected? Or maybe you’ve gambled on promised two-day shipping, only to watch the tracking status stall somewhere in shipment.
Take the guesswork out of gift giving this year by shopping in person during Shop Small Saturday, Nov. 29.
Founded in 2010 by American Express, Shop Small Saturday began as a grassroots push to support local entrepreneurs. It has since grown into a nationwide movement — and a vital part of the holiday sales season for many small businesses.
“We like to support our friends and neighbors by helping to boost their businesses,” said Bonnie Frisina of the Bradford Area
Chamber of Commerce.
“That is why we host this every year.”
Shopping local isn’t just festive — it’s powerful. Economists estimate that for every $100 spent locally, about $63 remains in the community. By contrast, only $13 stays local when the same amount is spent at a national chain. Local businesses are also more likely to donate to area charities, fund local payrolls and source materials from nearby suppliers.
If that’s not enough incentive to shop small this season, the chamber is once again running its annual
Shop Small Week raffle from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4.
Now in its fifth year, the raffle offers chamber gift certificates worth $350 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third. This year, 40 local businesses will participate.
Entering is simple: Pick up a raffle card at the Chamber of Commerce. The card lists all participating member businesses. Between Nov. 28 and Dec. 4, make a purchase at any two of them.
“They have staff initial their raffle ticket when they make the purchase, and then they can drop the
raffle ticket off to us to be included in the drawing,” Frisina explained. Completed raffle tickets can be placed in the mailbox at 62 Main St. Alternatively, participants may take a photo of their completed sheet and email it to bonnie@bradfordchamber. com. Only one entry per person will be accepted. So grab your shopping list, bundle up and hit the streets. As Frisina noted, when people shop small, they aren’t just getting a gift, “they’re also giving back to the town.”
SBU’s Quick Arts Center to host Southern Tier Symphony Dec. 5
ST. BONAVENTURE
— The Southern Tier Symphony will perform a holiday concert featuring their brass section, Holiday Brass, on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.
The performance is the third presentation in the Quick Center’s 30th anniversary Exhibition and Performing Arts Season.
Described as a “holiday treat for all family members,” the concert will feature a selection of holiday favorites sure to delight audiences of all ages. The symphony is known for its passionate performances and commitment to bringing classical music to the
local community.
Attendees can also enjoy the Quick Center’s art galleries, which will open one hour before the performance and remain open through the intermission. This offers a unique opportunity to experience both visual and performing arts in one evening.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens and SBU employees, and $5 for students. To purchase tickets online, visit https://www.ticketor. com/quickarts/tickets or call the Quick Center at (716) 375-2494. With tickets selling quickly, people are encouraged to purchase their seats as soon as possible.
File photo
The Dec. 5 concert by the Southern Tier Symphony will feature a selection of holiday favorites sure to delight audiences of all ages.
5th Annual Ride into Christmas parade set in Smethport
SMETHPORT — The 5th Annual Smethport Ride Into Christmas parade will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 6.
Earlier in the day, Hamlin Memorial Library will hold a Christmas party from 10 a.m. to noon with snacks, crafts, games and family-friendly fun.
This year’s parade will be held in memory of 2-year-old Oakley Hedlund, whose passing in August touched the hearts of the entire McKean County and Bradford communities.
All donations collected will be split between the McKean County Detective K9 Unit and the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of McKean County — two local organizations that protect, serve and care for our community’s children and families.
Like always, there is no charge to ride — donations would be gratefully accepted.
The Children’s Advocacy Center provides a child-focused environment where a child who has suffered alleged abuse can be interviewed safely, compassionately and with dignity. The CAC works closely with law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, advocates and medical and mental-health providers to reduce trauma and promote healing.
Your generosity directly supports those efforts — and honors Oakley’s
memory by helping other children in need.
Line-up will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the pool side of West Willow Street, facing west. The street will be closed to traffic during line-up, which is for all-terrain vehicles or machines only. No vehicles are permitted to park in Hamlin Park. Unloading areas will be on the Water Street side of the park, West Willow by the pool or the Smethport Firehall.
The pre-ride tradition is to have dinner before the parade at one of Smethport’s local restaurants.
The parade route will finish going east on Main Street. Post-parade fun will be at the firehall. There will be cookies and doughnuts for everyone, hot chocolate for riders and spectators and riders receive a number and ticket upon arrival for prizes. There will be prize drawings and photos with Santa.
Last year’s event raised $556, split evenly between the Children’s Advocacy Center and the McKean County Detective K9 Unit.
“Let’s make 2025 even brighter — for Oakley, for our kids and for our community,” organizers said.
“Whether you’re riding or cheering from the sidewalks, bundle up, bring your Christmas spirit and get ready for lights, laughter and holiday magic that only Smethport can create.
It’s not just a parade — it’s Smethport’s Christmas heartbeat.”
Silver Bells in the City to fill Salamanca with holiday cheer
By Kellen M. Quigley
SALAMANCA — The excitement is building as residents prepare for the annual Silver Bells in the City event, which brings activities and cheer to the community during the holiday season.
Presented by the Ray and Wyn Ritchie Evans Foundation and the Seneca Salamanca Chamber of Commerce, Silver Bells events will take place at various locations throughout the city from Dec. 3 through 18.
John Sheehan, Executive
Director of the chamber, said this year’s Silver Bells schedule of events is much longer than in recent years, with more wonderful holiday crafts and events.
“Silver Bells has one of the deepest traditional roots in Salamanca since the song ‘Silver Bells’ was created by our very own Ray Evans,” he said. Evans, born and raised in Salamanca, co-wrote the Oscar-winning songs “Mona Lisa,” “Que Sera, Sera” and “Buttons and Bows.”
Sheehan said several activities are new or different for this year’s Silver Bells celebration, including
horse-drawn carriage rides at the casino, a holiday trunk-and-treat and some crafts events at the Seneca Nation Library.
“You can also write letters in December and drop them off at the Seneca Library, and kids will get a letter from Santa,” he added.
Silver Bells in the City kicks off Dec. 3 with the Tree Lighting at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino at 5:30 p.m. The free event also includes carriage rides and pictures with Santa from 4 to 7 p.m.
Also that morning is Holiday Crafts for Gifts at the Seneca Nation LibraryAllegany Branch from 9:30
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A full day of events is slated for Dec. 6, starting with Breakfast with Santa at Myers Steakhouse & Inn from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Menu includes pancakes or French toast, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs and beverages. Kids under 12 are $8.50 each, adults $12.50. Reservations are required and must be prepaid to be confirmed. Check the restaurant Facebook page for the QR code to sign up or call (716) 945-3153.
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a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call (716) 945-3157 to sign up.
Then that evening, Santa’s Christmas Parade will fill downtown with festive lights and sounds. As in past years, the parade will start at 6 p.m. from Atlantic and Church streets, then proceed down Main Street to Jefferson Street Park, where Santa will light up the park. In the park, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies and visit with Santa. To participate in the parade, visit the Seneca Salamanca Chamber of Commerce website for application forms.
“Donna Raahauge, the best parade director, has a few new participants that are a must-see,” Sheehan noted.
The festivities continue that night with the Home for the Holidays concert at 7 p.m. in the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino’s event center. The lineup features two-time Grammy Award winner Peabo Bryson, two-time Grammy Award winner Sheena Easton, American Idol winner and Grammy Award nominee Ruben Studdard and international trumpet prodigy Ilya Serov. Tickets start at $25. Visit senecaalleganycasino.com to purchase.
Enjoy more holiday
festivities on Dec. 11 with CCA’s Holiday Trunks & Treats from 2-4 p.m. with a drive-thru event through the back parking area behind the Jefferson Street School building.
Then on Dec. 12-14, the Silver Bells Holiday Show presented by the Cattaraugus County Living Arts
Association will feature live, local performances at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater at 7 p.m. each night. A variety of acts will perform vocal selections, instrumentals, dancers and more.
On Dec. 13, enjoy free pancakes with Santa at Murphy’s Concession from 8-11 a.m.
filled to benefit the CCA food pantry.
Hear the music of the season Dec. 14 at the annual Christmas Cantata performance at 3 p.m. at the Riverside Chapel. Return to the Seneca Nation Library one more time on Dec. 15 for a visit with Santa from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Head back to the Seneca Nation Library for a Corn Husk Christmas Flowers class with Sierra from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 9453157 to sign up.
Also that day is the Fill The Bus food drive at Save-a-Lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Help the Salamanca school’s transportation department at CCA make a difference. Donate non-perishable items till the bus is
Wrap up the Silver Bells season on Dec. 18 with the H.E.R.O. Christmas Party at the Allegany Community Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Come visit with Santa and play some reindeer games. Call 945-8119. For more information about any of these events, reach out to the chamber at senecachamber.org, call 945-2034 or email info@ salamancachamber.org.
File photo
The Salamanca community gathers around Santa and Mrs. Claus in Jefferson Street Park following the Silver Bells in the City parade and flipping the switch to light up the park’s trees and decorations.
Nutcracker Ballet at Pitt-Bradford
The New York Theatre Ballet will present its reimagined production of “The Nutcracker” at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Tickets are $20 for the public, $18 for faculty and staff and $10 for students. To check availability, which is limited, contact Kitty at (814) 362-5155.
Set in Art Nouveau style circa 1907 and danced to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the hour-long ballet features clockwork imps, a luminous owl that flies above the audience, mice in polka dots and dancers wielding oversized chop-
sticks. The production blends innovative choreography with a richly imaginative set.
Founded in 1978, the New York Theatre Ballet has earned national acclaim for restoring small masterworks by renowned choreographers and creating accessible ballets based on children’s literature. The company tours family and adult programs nationally and abroad.
“The magic stays with us well beyond the hour,” the Huffington Post wrote of the company’s work. For more information, visit nytb.org.
Organist John Sherer to play Advent, Christmas recital
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will host its 14th Annual Advent and Christmas Organ Recital from noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 5 at Harriett B. Wick Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.
This year’s featured artist is Dr. John Sherer, a distinguished musician who currently serves as organist and director of music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, N.Y.
Prior to his current position, Sherer spent 28 years
as organist and director of music at Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, where he oversaw the construction and installation of the 147-rank Quimby organ — one of the largest church pipe organs in the United States.
Sherer has performed recitals throughout the United States, England and Japan. He holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Yale University and the Juilliard School.
Saturday with Santa festivities set at Allegany State Park
RED HOUSE — The holidays are fast approaching, and there’s no better way to get into the spirit than by spending some time in Allegany State Park.
Join the Environmental Education Department on Saturday, Dec. 6 for Saturday with Santa, the annual fun, festive, family event.
In this season of giving, organizers are asking event participants to bring non-perishable food items and/or an unwrapped toy to be donated to a local food pantry and Toys for Tots.
The big day starts at 11 a.m. in the Red House area of the park, with Santa’s parade starting at 11:30 a.m. Santa will pass by Camp Allegany and the Administration building on his way to the Red House picnic shelter.
Stop by the Red House Administration Building to hang a couple of ornaments on the big tree and have a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie. The Red House Museum will serve
as a quiet holiday room for those who need a break from the lights and sounds of the season.
Camp Allegany, site of Santa’s Workshop, is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Staci Werlau Agent
2202 W State Street Olean, NY 14760-1922
On the corner of 21st Street and West State Street Bus: 716-376-0185 staci@insuremestaci.com insuremestaci.com
Make crafts, design your own button, play games, take pictures in the festive photo booth and other fun activities. Take part in the Allegany State Park Historical Society coloring
contest in the Recreation Hall and grab a cookie and hot chocolate provided by the Friends of Allegany State Park.
The Red House Picnic Area Shelter will become a winter wonderland to make Santa feel at home during his short break from duties at the North Pole. He will be greeting and taking photos with children from noon to 3 p.m. Don’t forget to make your way back to Camp Allegany for the announcement of the coloring contest winner at 2:45 p.m.
The Friends of Allegany State Park and the Allegany State Park Historical Society will be on hand to introduce folks to their organizations. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided by the Friends in the Recreation Hall at Camp Allegany. For more information, contact the Environmental Education/Recreation Department at (716) 354-6232 or email carrie.busekist@ parks.ny.gov.
File photo
Visit with the jolly old elf when Allegany State Park hosts its annual Saturday with Santa celebration on Dec. 6.
ELF Fund brightens Bradford’s holidays — and beyond
By Sara Furlong
The Era’s Less Fortunate (ELF) Fund has been helping to make locals’ Christmas season a little brighter for 41 years.
Now in its 42nd year, Bradford’s elves are helping more neighbors than ever.
ELF Fund board president Ed Hayden shared that the program registered more than 200 seniors this year, which marks a nearly 300% increase from the 53 seniors who signed up in 2023. There are also 200 families signed up this year, a 60% increase from 2023.
Hayden noted the concerted effort the group made in 2024 to “push and make sure that we were helping as many people and seniors as we could.”
Hayden observed that,
while most people know the ELF Fund for providing gifts at Christmastime for eligible children and seniors in need, the group is active year-round.
“We’re out and about all year, embedded in schools, at school events — many, many different things,” he noted.
Board members, community representatives and volunteers filled the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church in
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File photo
The Era’s Less Fortunate (ELF) Fund is celebrating its 42nd year of helping people in Bradford and surrounding communities.
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early November to pick up tree tags and to hear from several individuals key to the collective effort.
Festival of Trees Chair Rhonda Gray said the event is the ELF Fund’s most important fundraiser of the year and “Bradford’s first Christmas party” — always held the Thursday before Thanksgiving.
Bradford Area School District social worker Lori Peace leads the ELF Fund’s program for unaccompanied minors, high school students in Bradford Area School District lacking household care. The program assists youth with groceries and offers care bags, or pocket money for
some time with friends.
“Many of them are couch surfing, trying to figure out how to get through school and how to eat and do all of these things,” Peace said. “Think about that child who doesn’t
have anything. The child who wakes on Christmas with nothing, doesn’t even have someone to give them a hug and say ‘Merry Christmas, I love you.’”
As guest speaker during the ELF Fund’s
annual kickoff breakfast, the retired Rev. Lee Beckes recalled the opening of each episode of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” the conclusion of which was always a song and the question, “Won’t you please be my neighbor?”
“I don’t have to ask that question here,” Beckes said of the ELF Fund Board, volunteers and supporters.
“You are already willing to be our neighbor and this is a neighborhood — People who just raise their hands and say, ‘What can I do to help?’
“Thank you so much for all that you do. Thank you so much for being such good neighbors.”
Ellicottville’s holiday season to kick off Thanksgiving weekend
By Deb Everts
ELLICOTTVILLE —
Experience the holiday spirit in the village and at Holiday Valley Resort from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Eve by participating in family traditions and festive fun.
The annual “Christmas in Ellicottville” celebration returns Nov. 28 and continues all weekend as the village transforms into a scene from an old Victorian Christmas, offering free, old-fashioned fun activities for the whole family.
Presented by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, the three-day event is sure to delight people of all ages. Highlights
include visits and photos with Santa, a live reindeer, fire truck rides with Santa, horse and wagon rides, kids’ crafts and ornament decorating, face painting, holiday movies, interactive activities for kids and breakfast with Santa.
Started in 2006, this year’s event officially kicks off Friday evening at 6:15 p.m. when Santa flips a switch to magically turn on the lights of the Community Christmas Tree, located on the lawn of the post office.
Meet Santa’s real reindeer across the street on the lawn of the 1887 Building, Friday from 4-6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
On Friday from 1-3
p.m., kids can board a fire truck from the Ellicottville Volunteer Fire Department at the village gazebo to ride around town with Santa. The rides take place again Saturday during the same hours.
Horse-drawn wagon rides will delight visitors again this year. The rides will leave from Katy’s Café and take visitors around the village from 1-4 p.m. Friday and 1-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday, a holiday movie will be shown at Villaggio starting at 11:30 a.m. Kids can meet the Grinch and drink Grinch Green chocolate at the Ellicottville Bake Shop from 1-3 p.m.
On Friday and Satur-
day, from 3-6 p.m., kids can participate in the “Letters to Santa” event with Santa and his elves by decorating ornaments for Oishei Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees at the Pour Taproom, located near Holiday Valley. There will be plenty of interactive activities for kids to enjoy at the Wingate by Wyndham Friday, 1:30 to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 2 to 3:45 p.m.; and Sunday, 11:30 to 1 p.m.
Hungry visitors can enjoy a free Pancake Breakfast with Santa at Villaggio’s on Saturday and the Mill Street Pub on Sunday from 10 to 11 a.m. both days. During the event,
donations to help the less fortunate will be accepted for the local food pantry, including non-perishable items and cash. The chamber will also be launching a new holiday fundraiser supporting families in need throughout the season.
Come back to the village on Dec. 13 for “A Christmas Stroll” to celebrate the holiday season with a living nativity scene. Created in 1987, the event takes place at the village gazebo, where children dressed as angels and shepherds meet to honor Baby Jesus as carolers sing.
Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas benefits both Santa’s Workshop and the Santa Sheriff Program that provides holiday presents and meals to local families in need. The free event will take place at the Ellicottville Brewing Company at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 with a live auction beginning about 7:45 p.m. For more details, call (716) 474-7832.
A full schedule of holiday activities is posted online at ellicottvilleny. com. For more details, call 1 (800) 349-9099.
Holiday Valley begins the winter season with a targeted opening day of Nov. 28. Several events are planned during the holidays, including the annual Demo Day scheduled for Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the main lodge. The event gives people a chance to try out the latest ski and snowboard equipment for free.
Come say goodbye to 2025 and ring in 2026 at Holiday Valley’s New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31. The details have not been announced yet, but the event usually includes a Groomer and Torchlight Parade that comes down Cindy’s Run at 11:30 p.m. and a fireworks display from 11:45 p.m. to midnight. For more information, call (716) 6992345.
Photo courtesy Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce
Enjoy the holidays in Ellicottville by attending several special events in the village and at Holiday Valley Resort. Horse-drawn wagon rides will again be held during Christmas in Ellicottville.
Santa Claus Lane aims to make downtown jolly and bright
By Bob Clark
OLEAN — Here comes Santa Claus right down Olean’s Santa Claus Lane.
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Santa Claus Lane Parade along North Union Street at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28. More than 65 units are expected in the kickoff to the holiday season.
Seven Mountains Media will be emceeing the procession, kicking off with Mercy Flight, all the way to Santa’s arrival. Believer’s Chapel, Olean First Baptist Church, and Creekside Chapel will be along the parade route giving out hot chocolate.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will have their traditional magical countdown to the illumination of the lights, at the intersection of State and Union.
Eight awards will be given out by judges Paula Synder, Paula Bernstein, and Chamber Board President Shavonne Henderson
at the judging stand, to be located in front of Blue Bird Square. Awards include: “The Elves Award,” sponsored by Cutco Corporation, will be presented to a float or unit that best showcases holiday joy through the eyes of a child; the “Angelic Spirit Award,” sponsored by Mandy’s Flowers, will be given to the most spiritual/religious float or unit; “The Blitzen Award,” sponsored by CCB, goes to the most photogenic; “Jingle Bells Award,” sponsored by
Community Care of Western NY, will be given to the best theatrical (music/ dance) float or unit; “The Sleigh Award,” sponsored by new member, Reardon General Contracting, to the most decorated larger truck; “The Season’s Greeting Award,” sponsored by 3 C’s Catering goes to the best newcomer to the parade that exemplifies a welcoming theme; “The Snowflake Award,” sponsored by Nick Shembeda Plumbing & HVAC, will go to the float or unit with the most participants; and
last but certainly not least, “The Rudolph Award,” sponsored by Community Bank, will be presented to the float or unit with the most or best use of lighting.
For more information, call (716) 372-4433, email info@oleanny.com, or visit the Chamber at 301 N. Union St. for more information.
ON DEC. 13, the Jingle Bell Jubilee will make its return to Lincoln Park.
The event runs from noon-6 p.m., and hosts a number of events. The holiday arts and craft show will feature local artisans and makers.
Horse and carriage rides by Magic Moments Carriages will run from noon-3 p.m. Tickets are $3 presale or $5 the day of. Southern Tier Catholic School will host a live nativity scene, and live music will be curated by Steve Ahl. Food trucks include 3 C’s Catering, Yakisobas and Sweet Ride.
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File photo
Santa and Mrs. Claus will again take part in Olean’s Santa Claus Lane Parade on Nov. 28.
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For more information, visit https://www.oleanny. com/event-details/jingle-bell-jubilee-1.
SINCE THE 1920s, the local business community has sponsored decorations along the corridor to mark the holiday. Here’s a timeline of the event, and how it’s gone from evergreen arches to LED lighting.
1929 — Hot on the heels of the stock market crash in October, local business leaders sought a way to in-
resolution passed by the Olean City Council and the fundraising of the Olean Chamber of Commerce, permission was granted to C.W. Gabler Electric to erect ‘festoons’ over North Union and West State Streets.
1941 to 1944 — Due to World War II, blackouts became necessary to avert the off chance of aerial bombardment. In addition, rationing and shifted manufacturing priorities dry up supply for many popular
chip in to make sure Santa can make his trip to Olean, and his arrival will be the official signal for the start of Olean’s holiday shopping season.
1956 — Several large balloons were a part of the parade.
1964 — A 12-by-14-foot cottage was constructed by Bradley’s Builders for Santa, hauled to Lincoln Park by R. J. Fitzmaurice Housemovers.
1966 — Organizers place a previously used.
1972 — Santa’s Cottage and various other decorations were damaged beyond repair in the June flood. The year marked a 14-year hiatus as the city and local businesses could not afford to replace the cottage and lights.
1986 — The Olean Business Improvement Association raised $81,137 (about $240,000 in 2025 dollars) to bring back the downtown decorations including 20 custom garlands and a 15-foot-tall Santa. Olean businessman Louis Marra was credited as providing the impetus for the revival of Santa Claus Lane. Today, the Chamber’s top annu-
2004 — After more than 30 years, Santa gets a new cottage thanks to Home Depot.
2006 — John Caldwell of Portville created a Seasons Greeting sign that hangs on the City Building. Also, lights were added to War Veterans Park. The electric service in Lincoln Park was upgraded allowing for more power at the Union Street corner.
2008 — Electric was extended in War Veterans Park allowing for more
figurines and lights to be displayed along East State Street.
2009 — Twelve wooden characters in Lincoln Park join the 50 foot Welcome to Santa Claus Lane sign; lights and garland on the pavilion in War Veterans Park; and the snowflakes on Main and South Union Street bridges are new decorations this year.
2013 — Due to the poor condition of street poles, cross-North Union decorations were not installed for
the first time in decades.
2016 — A fundraising campaign began in 2016 to raise funds for new decorations to go up on the new Union Street streetscape. Large snowflakes, skylines and a live Christmas tree were added to the street thanks to the $50,000 raised by the community.
2020 — Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, no formal parade or lighting ceremony was held. However, businesses along the North Union
Street corridor participated in a holiday decorating contest. A new cottage for Santa at Lincoln Park, which doubles as a bistro in the warmer months, opens as part of a project at the park -- but only for walk-by visits due to the pandemic.
2021 — The Santa Claus Lane Parade returns from its hiatus. Also new is the Jingle Bell Jubilee in Lincoln Park, hosting carriage rides, a holiday market, and activities for all ages.
Twin Tiers veterans remembered through Wreaths Across America
On Dec. 13 volunteers throughout the Twin Tiers will again turn out for Wreaths Across America — an effort to place thousands of simple holiday wreaths at the graves of area veterans.
In Olean’s Mount View Cemetery, a Wreaths Across America ceremony will take place at noon at the Cattaraugus County Field of Honor. Please use the River Road entrance.
Organizer Diane Smith,
on behalf of the Mount View Cemetery Board of Directors, said that the Olean effort has increased its numbers steadily over the past several years.
“We will be placing over 550 wreaths this year, up about 100 wreaths,” she said. “The increase is in large part due to a buy one, get one event in January, sponsored by Wreaths Across America. We are hoping they will offer that opportunity again in Janu-
ary of 2026.”
There is still time to purchase a wreath to sponsor Mount View Cemetery — the deadline is Dec. 1 — at wreathsacrossamerica. org/NY0307P.
ALLEGANY CEMETERY
In recent years, the Allegany Ritual Team of the Allegany American Legion has been part of the ceremony, offering a 21-gun salute, but the team will be taking part in a new
Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 13 at Allegany Cemetery. John Keim, an officer of the Sons of the American Legion in Allegany, said he was impressed with events in the Southern Tier — including a vast turnout every year in Bath National Cemetery — and wanted to get Wreaths Across America started in Allegany Cemetery.
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He said about 750 wreaths will be laid at veterans graves; there will be a noon ceremony and volunteers are welcome to come and help. Fodod will be available at the Legion after the wreaths are placed.
PORTVILLE
Wreaths Across America volunteers will meet at noon Dec. 13 at Chestnut Hill Cemetery.
In 2024, nearly 350 wreaths were ordered through sponsors and donations, while the goal was for kore for this year.
ALLEGANY COUNTY
The first Wreaths Across America tribute in Allegany County took place in Cuba in December 2021. Since then, six communities have organized events with a new one joining this year.
Mary Lindquist of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who organized that first event in Cuba, said around 2,250 wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves in the county this year.
• Angelica: With the community new to the event, more than 300 wreaths have been or-
Cemetery, both at noon Dec. 13. To volunteer or sponsorcall her at (585) 610-6485 or go online.
• Belfast: The American Legion is organizing the event. Contact the Legion for more information or go online.
“When we started this, we thought we would maybe get 1,000 wreaths and now we’ve tripled that number,” said event coordinator Bob Witchen. “It makes me feel proud and thankful to be part of such a patriotic community.”
dered. Contact Tylenda at (585) 296-9725 to help, or to sponsor a wreath.
• Belmont: Susie Thomas is again heading up the event. The plan is to decorate veterans’ graves in Saint Mary’s and Forest Hills cemeteries, as well as in other rural cemeteries throughout the town. They also plan to place wreaths at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Legion Park Memorial and at the Park Circle Civil War Memorial.
Two separate ceremonies will take place, at the same time — one in Forest Hills Cemetery and one in Saint Mary’s
• Cuba: Mary Lindquist is again heading up Wreaths Across America, which will see more than 700 wreaths placed on veterans’ graves throughout the town. Lindquist is also helping Lynette Decker in Rushford. There, between 50 and 75 wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves in three small cemeteries, including the Podunk Cemetery.
To sponsor a wreath or to volunteer, call Lindquist at (585) 6100446 or Decker at (585) 307-0734.
Because of the continued support, volunteers will be able to extend the project to an additional cemetery this year.
“Along with Oak Hill, St. Bernard, Willow Dale and Degolia, we will be taking wreaths to McKean Memorial Park,” said Witchen. “We won’t be able to cover the whole cemetery but we’re hoping to take about 500 wreaths up there.”
McKean Memorial has approximately 1,700 veterans buried there. Roughly 1,000 veterans rest at Willow Dale and St. Bernard’s each, around 800 at Oak Hill and there are additional graves at Degolia and surrounding locations.
Volunteers will gather at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Legion for a brief ceremony before dispersing to place wreaths. The Bradford Sanitary Authority will once again assist by transporting three trailer loads of wreaths to various cemeteries.
• Whitesville: Jan Talbett is again coordinating the event on behalf of the Friends of the Whitesville Rural Cemetery. She has ordered 325 wreaths, with the majority to be placed in the Whitesville Rural Cemetery on Main Street. She will also place wreaths in rural cemeteries in Independence and Spring Mills and in Hillside Cemetery, where two Revolutionary War veterans are buried.
MCKEAN COUNTY
Those who would like to volunteer or have questions can call Witchen at (814) 598-4183 or Larry Fox at (814) 598-4425.
There are also Wreaths Across America efforts in Eldred, Smethport and the Kane area as well as Roulette.
American Legion Post 108 of Bradford has expanded participation to an estimated 3,500 balsam fir wreaths that will be placed at cemeteries throughout the region on Dec. 13.
Go to wreathsacrossamerica.org for more general information about the event.
File photo
A volunteer places a wreath at a veteran’s grave in the Veterans Field of Honor at Olean’s Mount View Cemetery in December 2024 for Wreaths Across America.
