Businesses and organizations in Cameron County preparing for the holiday season.  Cameron County Chamber of Commerce executive director Tina Solak says changes are in the air.  The biggest change will be the addition of vendors to the parade night festivities.  “The change means on Saturday activities will be centered on children” says Solak.  December 6 will have breakfast with Santa and his reindeer and a story with an elf.

The season begins with the arrival of the Christmas tree in the town square.  The tree has been donated by the Erik and Marilyn Erickson.  Smoker Logging will cut and transport the tree November 15.    

Shop Local Saturday November 29 will include sales and extended hours at Cameron County businesses, a craft show at the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department and the start of the popular scavenger hunt.  Shoppers will have the opportunity to take home chamber bucks which can be spent at locations throughout the county. 

Basket raffles will highlight the following weekend December 5 and 6, with both the Cameron County Red Raider Football Quarterback Club and Community Dance selling tickets.  The vendors that usually set up Saturday will be found inside Friday night from 4-8.  At the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Recovery Center the Grinch will be posing with pets for photos along with vendors.  The Emporium Senior Center will also host vendors.  Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of the Friday night sales before and after the parade.  The parade steps off at 6:30pm from Emporium Food Market and ends in front of the Cameron County High School.  The chamber is coordinating the parade which will have a “retro” vibe this year.   The popular tree lighting is set for 8pm.

Saturday morning events will be centered around children.  Santa will arrive with his reindeer at the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department at 9am.  Following breakfast at 11 Santa’s favorite elf will host children at Sarah Jane’s for a story.  Saturday night adults will enjoy the Community Benefit Dance at the Cameron County Vets Club.

Sarah Jane’s will again transform the art studio into Santa’s home away from home including some of the jolly old elf’s favorite furry friends.  Santa will be there every Saturday in December until Christmas. 

December 13 is Wreath Across America Day.  Nam Knights of America Allegheny Mountain Chapter  coordinating the laying of wreaths on the graves of veterans.  Sinnemahoning State Park is hosting a Christmas Open House and Sinnemahoning Sportsman will host a Children’s Christmas Party.

The season wraps up with the winners announced in the scavenger hunt which ends December 20.