Octorara townlively.com
NOVEMBER 29, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXIII • NO 39
Parkesburg to celebrate Christmas On Main BY FRANCINE FULTON
Cormorant’s Fancy Celtic band will perform on Dec. 2.
Celtic music concerts set at Historic St. Malachi’s Church BY FRANCINE FULTON
hree concerts, offering Celtic music, dancing, gifts and holiday hors d’oeuvres, will be featured as part of the Celtic Christmas in Doe Run Holiday Concert Series. Three separate concerts will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 2; Sunday, Dec. 3; and Sunday, Dec. 10, at 7p.m. at St. Malachi’s of Doe Run, 76 St. Malachi Road, Cochranville. The Dec. 2 concert will feature Cormorant’s Fancy Celtic band, Janet Witman and Margaret Love of the Brandywine Harp Orchestra, Irish step dancer Allyson Folkemer and dancers from the Paloma School of Irish Dance. Performing at the Dec. 3 concert will be Across the Pond, a Celtic band; The Sasanach - Keith Engle, an Irish fiddler; and Irish step
(St. Malachi’s), which was built in 1838 by Irish immigrants, we decided to reinstate it.” The concerts will take place in the church’s candlelit sanctuary. “It’s absolutely magical,” said Hood, noting that refreshments will follow the concerts. “When the concert has ended, everyone comes out to enjoy the incredible holiday delectables.” Outdoors, concert goers will be able to shop from local vendors, including a crafter selling Irish tote bags, Bewley Irish Imports of West Chester, Brandywine Conservancy and Spring House Spirits, which has produced a Malachi rum for the occasion. Hood added that the concert series is an ideal time for people who have never visited St. Malachi’s to view its interior and learn about
Holiday characters that are scheduled to be on hand during Christmas on Main include (from left) The Parkesburg Grinch, Jack Skellington and Santa Claus.
302 Main St., Parkesburg. Children can also take part in a craft-making activity at Main St. Cafe Grill, 321 Main St. The tree-lighting ceremony will take place at the corner of Main Street and Strasburg Road at 6 p.m. See Christmas on Main pg 5
Lions Club plans decorating contest, food drives BY FRANCINE FULTON
Parkesburg residents with festive and unique holiday decorations at their homes are invited to take part in the Parkesburg Lions Club holiday lighting contest. A panel of judges will drive around during the evening of Friday, Dec. 15, for judging. Homeowners should be sure to have their full decorations on display by 5 p.m. “We have cash prizes to hand out for first, second and third place,”
said Lions Club president Robin McKenna, noting that the contest is open to those with a Parkesburg mailing address. Those who would like to participate should send a message to McKenna at the club’s Facebook page, “Parkesburg Lions Club - New and Improved.” Additionally, the Lions Club has planned two efforts to support members of the armed forces this holiday season. “One is sending snacks and treats to soldiers serving at the United States and
See Celtic music pg 6
See Lions Club pg 2
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dancers from the McHugh School of Irish Dance. The concert on Dec. 10 will feature the Fire in the Glen Celtic band, Irish folksinger Gerry Timlin and Irish step dancers from the Cara School of Irish Dance. Piper Eric Schott will also be featured at each of the three concerts. The concert series was started at St. Malachi’s, which is the “mother church” of Our Lady of Consolation (OCC) Parish in Parkesburg, to honor the legacy of the early Celtic immigrants who came from northern Ireland and settled in West Fallowfield and East Fallowfield. “We did these concerts annually for a number of years,” said Kathleen Hood, event organizer. “Because this is the 185th anniversary of
Christmas on Main, presented by the Parkesburg Action Committee (PAC), will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 2 to 7 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Parkesburg. The event will feature a community tree-lighting ceremony, open houses at local businesses, craft vendors and an appearance by Santa Claus. During the event, shops will offer in-store holiday specials, and they will host local craft vendors and artisans at their locations. Street parking will be available. “You can walk the street and go shop to shop,” said PAC member Jenn Rice. “It’s a community-building good time.” The 22 BBQ food truck will be on hand, and there will be roaming Christmas carolers. The Parkesburg Grinch is also scheduled to make an appearance. Santa Claus will be stationed at the Little Shop Next Door, 215 Main St. Letters to Santa that children write at home can be dropped off at Rocco & Anna’s Ristorante Italiano,