Andrea Guido isn’t a trained performer but there she was Saturday, donning a Santa hat and belting out Christmas carols at K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Park in Lower Burrell. Guido got a text from a friend earlier in the month, asking if she would like to perform at the city’s first annual Christmas in the Woods. “Why not?” Guido said.
“This is great.” She was among 10 friends who roamed the grounds to entertain a crowd of hundreds with holiday favorites like “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” “I love it,” said Guido, of the one-day caroling group.
A slew of other activities included a bonfire, live Nativity scene, pictures with Santa, marketplace and hayrides through “Candy Cane Forest.” “We wanted to bring the community together,” organizer Debbie Kurtik said. The secretary of the city’s parks and recreation commission said she underestimated the draw of the event.
By the time the gates opened at 2 p.m., parking lots were full.
Vehicles stretched at least a quarter-mile up Wildlife Lodge Road to accommodate festival-goers. “It’s a learning experience,” Kurtik said. “We’re glad that so many people turned out.
Next year, we’ll definitely have a shuttle.” She credited marketing coordinator Beth Fazzini for creating a buzz with social media posts and connections with eight area churches, each of which drummed up awareness in their congregations. The day was filled with activities for all ages, from cookie-decorating for children to.
