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Christmas spirit shines in Gowanda

OBSERVER Photo by Andrew David Kuczkowski Christmas in Gowanda had many attractions, including fire truck and police car rides. Community members got a closer look at who is overseeing them.

GOWANDA — The fifth annual Christmas in Gowanda sparked the community once again.

At every corner of downtown Gowanda, one could see the cavalcade of activities that were available to get into the Christmas spirit.

“It’s wonderful for so many people to be here and to see all the great things Gowanda has to offer,” Mayor Heather McKeever said. “The holiday season showcases our small businesses and it gives our organizations a chance to come out and play a big role in this event.”

On Saturday, police and fire trucks gave rides to community members. The rides promoted a stronger bond between the community and those who oversee it.

“It’s good to see that police officers are approachable,” said Joseph Yerpe, Cattaraugus deputy sheriff. “We’re people just like everyone else, and in a time of need, we hope that kids see that police are here to help and support them, not to be bad guys.”

OBSERVER Photo by Andrew David Kuczkowski Carriage rides were given in downtown Gowanda Saturday. Families packed the lot across from the Hollywood Theater in anticipation of riding the carriage around the village.

For some young ones, a fire truck is probably the coolest thing. To take a ride in one may actually be their dream. But altogether, it was a family-friendly event.

“We were just with the sheriffs,” Jeremiah Tonello said with his wife, Erin Tonello, and their two children. “We went around town. It was awesome. (It was) the only time I want to be in the back though.”

Alongside that, there were train rides given by the New York and Lake Erie Railroad, holiday movies at the Hollywood Theater, free food, the Taste of Gowanda, carriage rides and more.

When it came to the latter half of the day, the community united and held its annual tree-lighting ceremony at Chang-Hu Park.

This year’s honorees were the first responders, as they had the opportunity to flip the switch and brighten up the park. It was followed by a holiday-spirit parade and capped off with fireworks.

“For Christmas in Gowanda, we try to bring all of the old traditions of Gowanda back to life,” McKeever added. “It’s great to see all these people getting to enjoy the days gone by and making current traditions for families to be able to continue and to be able to bring their kids to.”

The train rides also brought in another large crowd. The unique form of transportation is a draw for Christmas in Gowanda.

“The great thing about the train ride is that you get 1,000 people to come in from out of town,” McKeever said. “… They get to see all that is happening and to appreciate what we have to offer as well.”

The goal of Christmas in Gowanda is to shine a light on the many things Gowanda has to offer. Both Jamestown Street and West Main Street hosted affairs with lines of children and their parents. There was enough Christmas joy packed downtown to make even a Grinch smile.

Send comments to akuczkowski@observertoday.com

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