Duryea Borough strolls into the holidays

DURYEA — Nearly 150 residents came out to Main Street Saturday for the first-ever Holiday Stroll.

The event featured 22 Christmas trees stationed outside Main Street businesses, holiday music, raffles, a children’s craft table, a performance by the Phoenix Performing Arts, demonstrations by Rothrocks Kung Fu, hay rides and a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and Frosty the Snowman.

Many area businesses — including Family Prescription Counter, the American Legion, Bronzed Buns, Rothrock Kung Fu and My Sister’s Kitchen — were open, providing guests a chance to step in and see what services and products are available.

Many businesses also had a red bucket for participants to drop off raffle tickets to win an undisclosed prize, said Trina Moss, an event organizer.

The two-and-a-half-hour event began at 4:30 p.m. and was a cumulative effort among the Duryea Christmas Committee, borough officials, Germania Hose Company and Main Street businesses, Moss said.

“The Germania Hose Company donated the trees,” she said.

Duryea Mayor Keith Moss borrowed the idea from nearby Old Forge.

“I did invite the mayor from Old Forge,” he said.

The overall goal was to provide an old-fashioned holiday atmosphere to the town, said Leigh Ann Balchune, an event organizer.

“We have a great little town here,” Moss said.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on a fire truck in time to light the Christmas tree outside the borough building.

Students at the Phoenix Performing Arts presented a scene from “A Christmas Story” outside the municipal building.

Children with hot chocolate mustaches ran around with friends, neighbors chatted and business owners greeted familiar and unfamiliar faces.

Chris Hampel, owner of Family Prescription Counter, ran out of coloring books for the children, so he opted to give away candy bars.

“I have seen many new faces,” Hampel said. “This is great.”

Children also gave the event a thumbs up.

Molly Lapsansky, 9, of Duryea, enjoyed holiday music by the Independent Bible Church Choir.

Twenty-one-month-old Nicky Zbylicki, of Duryea, showed off his dance moves during the choir’s performance but also liked meeting Santa.

Lucas Hull, 8, and Gavin Werner, 6, both of Duryea, make ‘reindeer food’ during the borough’s first-ever Holiday Stroll Saturday.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_20151212_165610-1-1.jpgLucas Hull, 8, and Gavin Werner, 6, both of Duryea, make ‘reindeer food’ during the borough’s first-ever Holiday Stroll Saturday. Eileen Godin | Times Leader

Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with children and pose for pictures during Duryea Borough’s Holiday Stroll Saturday.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_20151212_1701351.jpgSanta and Mrs. Claus visit with children and pose for pictures during Duryea Borough’s Holiday Stroll Saturday. Eileen Godin | Times Leader

The Holiday Stroll held in Duryea featured 22 Christmas trees placed outside Main Street businesses.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_20151212_1741491.jpgThe Holiday Stroll held in Duryea featured 22 Christmas trees placed outside Main Street businesses. Eileen Godin | Times Leader