
The first weekend in December has traditionally been proclaimed as Ebensburg’s Dickens of a Christmas weekend, though, as expected, plans are looking very different this year. While there are still arrangements being made to host Ebensburg’s Light-Up Night on Friday evening, and a modified Roving Christmas Parade on Saturday morning, many of Ebensburg’s annual Dickens events will not take place this year because of safety measures and social distancing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
One thing that will remain unchanged is the beautifully decorated streetscapes and park displays throughout the downtown. Borough workers have already begun stringing lights, preparing bows, changing out lamppost banners and pulling decorations out of storage. Businesses will likely join in with their own festive displays as the Ebensburg Main Street Partnership hosts its annual decorating contest. “Our businesses do a phenomenal job decorating their windows and storefronts every year. We encourage families to plan a night to come downtown to see the decorations, grab a meal together, and visit our retail shops,” said Danea Koss, Community Development Director.
This year more than ever, residents are encouraged to shop local as much as possible as our businesses have suffered what has likely been the most challenging year they’ve ever faced. “When you spend money locally, you’re helping a local family, you’re helping to keep our shops and restaurants open, and you’re reinvesting in your community and local economy,” said Danea Koss, Community Development Director.
Events that are tentatively set to take place through the weekend are as follows:
Friday, December 4 6 pm Light-Up Night at Veterans Memorial Park
Friday, December 4 8:45 pm Indoor Ice Skating at North Central Recreation Center
Friday, December 4 Evening Downtown Holiday Light Displays
Saturday, December 5 8:00 – 11:00 am Santa’s Breakfast Express Drive-Thru, YPCC
Saturday, December 5 11:00 am Roving Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 5 11:00 – 5:00 pm Basket Raffle at First United Church of Christ
Saturday, December 5 12:00 pm Live Nativity at Ebensburg United Methodist Church
Saturday, December 5 Evening Downtown Holiday Light Displays
Saturday, December 5 8:00 pm Cresson Lake Playhouse’s Online Trivia Contest
Saturday, December 5 8:45 pm Indoor Ice Skating at North Central Recreation Center
Virtual Gingerbread Contest, Cam. Co. Historical Society