Chamber’s Happy Hinckley Holiday spreads Christmas cheer

by Chris Studor

Choirs singing, cookies for eating and Santa to be seen describes the annual Hinckley Chamber of Commerce Happy Hinckley Holiday held Dec. 2 at the old fire station.

 Several hundred residents attended the evening of good cheer, which began with the Hinckley Preparatory Student Choir leading the way to the center of town for the tree lighting ceremony. Wearing Santa hats, the students warmed up the gathering with a lively rendition of “Jingle Bells.”

Meanwhile, a township fire engine came roaring down Ridge Rd. with Santa waving from the fire engine window. The vehicle served as Santa‘s chariot to the old fire station where Santa heard children’s’ wish lists in a seasonally decorated room. As the guests filed in, they were greeted by members of the Hinckley Womens’ Club, which served a vast assortment of decorated cookies and other delicious pastries made by HWC member Christian McVey.

Volunteers Alison and Dennis Kuzma of Ackmara Party Rental decorated the room which featured several poinsettias donated from Petitti Garden Center. Chamber President Melinda Mallari Swan said volunteers Joe Gendron and Trish Strazar were directly responsible for seeing that each child had a chance to give Santa their Christmas wish lists and received a coloring book and crayons from Santa’s elf.

The emcee for the evening was none other than Chamber Vice President Mark Staron of S & S Heating and Cooling. Swan couldn’t praise Staron enough.

“He does everything from stringing lights, helping with the tree decorating contest, to cleaning up while making everyone feel welcome,” she said.

The stage remained busy throughout the night as the Hinckley Elementary School Choir and Highland High School Added Attraction performed holiday favorites for guests. Additionally, the Chamber sponsored its first tree-decorating contest adding to the festive atmosphere throughout Hinckley’s downtown. The winner of the Chamber’s first tree decorating contest was Salon Von Jo. ∞

Photo: Enjoying holiday cookies and conversation at the Happy Hinckley Holiday evening are Kathy Kyriazes, Amy Kyriazes, Ruth Ann Manley and Dave Manley. Photos by Chris Studor.