Gratitude for Wye Road Bridge lighting

To the Editor:

For the past 18 years, the Bath Business Association-sponsored Wye Road Bridge lighting and Santa arrival has been a favorite Thanksgiving weekend tradition in Bath. Hundreds of participants came this year to sing carols, mingle with friends and neighbors, make holiday crafts and visit Santa.

The decorated Christmas tree and garland-draped bridge were lighted as Santa made his way through the crowd to the tent where he heard gift wishes from the children. More than 100 gift bags, filled with goodies donated by BBA members, were passed out to the youth in attendance. Everyone enjoyed the more than 350 cookies, gallons of hot chocolate and innumerable pots of coffee, courtesy of The Bake Shop in Ghent and Vaughn and Company Salon. 

This year’s event was one of the best ever thanks to the volunteer efforts, creative touches and tireless work of so many BBA members and their families. They dedicated their time and energy to set up the tents, decorate, mingle with the crowd and do everything possible to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. This community activity is made possible with the support of Bath Township and its fire, police and service departments.

The 90-member strong BBA promotes business in Bath while preserving and enhancing the rural, scenic, and historical identities of the Ghent, Bath Center, and Hammond Corners hamlets along the Cleveland-Massillon Road corridor. 

Thanks to all who made this year’s event an unqualified success and to the families who participate in this community tradition year after year.

Nancy Fay and Kelley Brubaker
BBA Wye Road Bridge Lighting Committee chairs