Uniting through Christmas cheer in Old Forge
Dec. 5—Old Forge was transformed into Snow Forge Sunday afternoon as horses and people replaced vehicles along Main Street.
The annual Christmas event, which featured carriage rides and story time with Mrs. Claus, draws thousands to the borough each year, organizers said.
The sound of holiday classics filled the chilly air as shoppers perused the goods of more than 50 vendors and children created wish lists for Santa.
Marie Topa of Old Forge, who attended the event with her sons, Logan, 8, and Jace, 6, praised the Snow Forge committee for its efforts.
"It's a really good thing they do," Topa said. "It's a big community where we come together as one big family and they make it a lot of fun for everybody."
Old Forge Borough Council President Russell Rinaldi believes the festivities unite people from all over the Northeast.
"Not only is it good for our community, but it's also good for the families and kids from surrounding communities," he said. "People come from all over — Binghamton, Lenoxville, Dallas, Nanticoke, Wilkes-Barre. It's such a great event because it brings so much positive cheer, togetherness, and the warm Christmas feeling."
Dana Marquis of New York City stops by Snow Forge each year with her son, Niko, 5, while visiting family in the borough.
"I love that when you walk down the street, you know every single person," she said.
Among the vendors was Ashley Pasquariello of West Wyoming, owner of the Apple Bakehouse, who was selling butterscotch oatmeal cookies, eggnog bread pudding with apples and walnuts, and chocolate peppermint cupcakes.
"It's a great atmosphere ... it screams holiday," said Pasquariello.
Snow Forge was launched in 2014 after borough residents got tired of traveling long distances for holiday events.
"A small group of us used to take our children out of town to get pictures with Santa," organizer Bob Mulkerin said. "We decided to form a committee and try to do this in town. Pat Revello said I don't know why we're driving 45 minutes to do this."
Mulkerin has been pleased with the steady growth of the winter showcase.
"The first year we were basically isolated to the Borough Building," he said. "We've evolved to the point where the road is closed, and all the restaurants are all participating. Every year we try to add a little something."
He stressed the event is made possible by the support of local businesses, proceeds from the committee's summer fundraiser and a grant from Lackawanna County.
Contact the writer: rtomkavage@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131; @rtomkavage on Twitter.
