Sewickley Light Up Night kicks off holiday season

Sewickley’s Light Up Night returned on Dec. 3 following a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Judging by the number of folks who came out, the tradition was certainly missed last year. Sewickley Police estimated that between 7,500 and 8,000 people attended, according to Sewickley councilmember and committee chair Julie Barnes.

“The committee was really pleased with how everything went – people were calling it amazing and magical,” Barnes said. “I only got positive feedback.”

On the committee with Barnes were Sewickley Mayor George Shannon, Tom Boivin, Stephanie Butler, Susan Kaminski, John Forrest and Meghan Sheridan.

For the first time, the event was a zero-waste event, in partnership with Sustainable Sewickley and Pennsylvania Resources Council. Barnes said that part of the event was a big success and that public works noted that there was less litter in the streets to clean up after the event than in previous years.

“We want to thank people for being open to disposing of their trash that way,” Barnes said. “It was new; it did require an adjustment from people to pay attention to what they were throwing away and we appreciate people were willing to do that.”

The festive night out was much needed, not only for families but for village businesses.

“One of my committee members and I walked around at the end of the night and saw all of the restaurants were filled, some of the local places like the Tull Family Theater were filled – it was just so festive and bustling,” Barnes said.

Carolina Pais-Baretto Thor, CEO of The Tull Family Theater, said that the theater has been involved with Light Up Night since its opening.

“We try to offer Light Up Night visitors something fun to do inside while they warm up,” she said. “This year, we were fortunate to partner with John Vento & Friends to feature a lineup of musicians sharing acoustic and holiday tunes. It proved to be a great option for those wishing to extend the night after the fireworks.”

A free hot cocoa bar at Village Works, live reindeer in the Orr’s Jewelers parking lot, a living nativity at St. James Catholic Church, soup to go at St. Paul’s Luthern Church and a visit with Santa at Sweet Market were also highlights of the night.