West Beth Township and Marianna Borough Holiday Lights History
The holiday lights along the main street in West Beth Township were purchased in about 1989 after local residents Betty Robison, Mary Jo Niverth, and others teamed up and had a series of fundraisers. The Marianna American Legion and Legion Commander at the time, Russell Ceccine, were strong supporters. One fundraiser was a "Marianna Got Talent" show at the Legion. This fundraiser also helped fund the Marianna Borough lights.
Another fundraiser for the lights was a street fair. Bob Mercante, who was the township supervisor, shut the main street down for the event. A dunk tank, polka band, face painting, and lots of food lined the main street. Local representatives spoke at the event.A fundraiser for the lights was also held at the Firehall where a local band played.
Andy Sakel volunteered to do the wiring. A large light-up night was held at the Firehall with Santa Claus singing and everyone went out into the street to see the lights lit up. That same year, luminaries were lit all the way down the main street on Christmas Eve. John Bice and Jim White stayed out the entire evening to make sure the candles stayed lit. They did this while everyone else was home with their families.
Snowflake and angel lights were eventually purchased as was a nativity, the library currently displays.
This story was added here because the lights in town have a history. It is the hard work of volunteers, businesses, non-profits, and elected officials who made, and still make, good things happen in this area, so thank you. And thank you to the resident who shared this information because it's stories like this that die when they are not told and documented.
This story was added here because the lights in town have a history. It is the hard work of volunteers, businesses, non-profits, and elected officials who made, and still make, good things happen in this area, so thank you. And thank you to the resident who shared this information because it's stories like this that die when they are not told and documented.
West Bethlehem Township 2021
Photos courtesy of Lisa Scherer
After the lights were purchased in the township, a group then donated the remainder of the money, less than 1,000, to Marianna Hill so they could start their fundraiser for lights. Many of the acts for the talent show, mentioned above, in West Beth Township were from Marianna Borough.
Happy Holidays!
Other holiday history events are HERE.
