Plum residents who haven’t been by the new municipal center for a while will get to see its latest amenity during the borough’s annual Christmas event.
The borough is putting the finishing touches on a new amphitheater outside the municipal center on Old Mine Road. It will be used for the seventh annual Christmas at Plum Creek from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 30.
Work on the amphitheater had yet to begin when Christmas at Plum Creek became the first event to be held at the municipal center last year. The event previously set up in Plum Creek Park.
The amphitheater, which seats about 300, has six fire pits that will be in use that night, said David Soboslay, Plum’s interim manager.
At a cost of about $1 million, the amphitheater was part of the original $16.5 million contract for the construction of the municipal center, which replaced the borough’s former office building on New Texas Road. In addition to borough offices, council’s meeting room and the police department, the building includes a banquet space, gymnasium and activity rooms.
From the beginning, the amphitheater was envisioned as a way to draw borough residents to the complex, Soboslay said.
The borough plans to show movies at the amphitheater. Plum Rotary has contributed an outdoor kitchen, which won’t be in place until spring, Soboslay said.
The amphitheater will be available to rent, but also not until the spring, he said.
The borough has moved its war memorial to the top level of the amphitheater. Erected by citizens and American Legion Plum Post 980, it was dedicated in 1992.
The memorial recognizes the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Merchant Marine and Navy, and World Wars I and II, Vietnam, Korea and Desert Storm.
About 25 vendors were lined up for Christmas at Plum Creek, Soboslay said. In addition, six food trucks, one winery and one brewery are expected. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be provided.
Volunteers who would like to offer free activities for children can contact Mona Costanza, assistant to the borough manager, by Nov. 13 at 412-795-6800 or mcostanza@plumboro.com.
There have been a couple of changes for this year. Santa will greet children in the gymnasium instead of council chambers, as last year a line to see him stretched outside, Soboslay said. Pictures with Santa will be free.
The Santa Shoppe, which Costanza said is full, is being moved from the banquet room outside so people who buy food can come inside to eat.
Crafts and a photo booth will be available at the adjacent Al Franci Emergency Services Building. Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted there for Toys for Tots.
Like last year, limited accessible parking will be available at the municipal center. Free round-trip shuttle service will be provided beginning at 5 p.m. from Plum High School, Amplify Church and St. John the Baptist, with buses are provided by Plum School District.
While not part of the municipal center project, a combination splash pad and ice skating rink has been in the borough’s plans for a location behind the building. It would include bathrooms, a concession stand and skate rental facility.
The financial feasibility of that project will be considered in the borough’s 2024 budget. Soboslay said council will hear a presentation on the budget at its meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 13.
