Christmas season officially marches into Williamsport

December 04, 2006|by KAREN HANNA

WILLIAMSPORT - Bundled in a blanket, 6-year-old Nikkie watched as Santa Claus came to town aboard a firetruck.

As a horse-drawn sleigh passed, her eyes became like saucers.

Those are the big dogs, Pat Price told Nikkie, a black and tan miniature dachshund who swiveled with excitement in Price's arms as the pair took in the sights Sunday during Williamsport's holiday parade.

Majorettes, and musicians wearing elf ears and white-trimmed red hats, accompanied Santa Claus to Byron Memorial Park, where hundreds of people applauded the lighting of a winter wonderland.

In droves, they walked past houses with Christmas displays and wreathes.

"I think it's a good way to bring Christmas in," said Michelle Short, who stood near her 10-year-old stepdaughter, Jordyn, at the park.

Jordyn's father, Jeff Short, had other ideas.

"I could have been watching football or something," Short said. "But, you've got to support the kids.

Renai Foltz of Williamsport said she and her husband, Brian, came to the park to share the event with their daughter, Josie, who turns 2 next week.

"It's for her. It's the first year that we've been down here for this," Foltz said.

Even as adults, sisters Terri Hornbaker and Bobsie Price, both of Williamsport, said they and their family still enjoy the annual event.

Each held Yorkshire terriers in their arms as they waited for the lights to come on.

"I like to see the lights light up for the first time," said Price, who is no relation to Pat Price.

Pat Price said Nikkie loves being with people.

Price sat with the dog on the bumper of a red truck along Conococheague Street.

"You'd like to be out in the middle of it, wouldn't you?" Price asked Nikkie, who shivered in the cold.

Price said Nikkie was enjoying every moment.

"She's excited. She likes it. She likes people, so she likes parades," Price said.

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