Rain doesn’t damper holiday spirit at Monroeville Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert
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The holiday spirit was buzzing at the 54th annual Monroeville Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert.
This free event, hosted by the Monroeville Historical Society, was held at the Old Stone Church on Nov. 21.
Despite the rain, the church, which was built in 1834, had a full house of folks who were ready for some holiday carols. Among those in attendance was state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Monroeville.
“I’m very happy to be able to be here,” he said. “It’s a great time of the year.”
Bruce Walker, Joe Ventresca, Renee Float and other members of the Monroeville Historical Society were in attendance, as were master of ceremonies Mike Wargo and Monroeville Mayor Nick Gresock.
“This is such a wonderful event,” Gresock said. “And we love the sense of community here. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.”
The holiday prayer was led by the Rev. Ed Gratton, senior minister at Hazelwood Christian Church in Monroeville. Then the Opus 2 Orchestra kicked off the music by playing the “Opus 2 Medley” and “Sleigh Ride,” plus a variety of other Christmas favorites.
“We love preforming for our community,” said conductor Evan Reichenfeld, who is the great-grandson of the orchestra’s founder, Eugene Reichenfeld.
Opus 2 rounded out their songs with “Christmas Time,” which Reichenfeld said was a favorite of his.
According to Reichenfeld, this is the last concert that the orchestra will be performing before they break for the holidays. During that time, they look to recruit new members. Reichenfeld stressed that Opus 2 is for all skill levels.
“We have sixth graders who are just starting out to adults who have been playing for twenty years,” he said.
During a brief intermission, attendees could purchase holiday cards. There were also used history books to take home. The books were free, but donations to the historical society were welcomed.
After intermission, the Monroeville Community Chorus began by singing “It’s the Holiday Season” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”.
A sing-along of “Jingle Bells” with the audience began, and then Santa Claus appeared, passing out candy canes to children and adults.
In spite of the cold, rainy weather, the tree lighting and ringing of the bell commenced outside. As usual, the holiday event was a success and got everyone into the holiday spirit.