Fox Chapel officials hope a new community event will become a holiday tradition.

The borough has partnered with Cooper-Siegel Community Library to present the inaugural Light Up Fox Chapel from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the borough building, 401 Fox Chapel Road.

Festivities include a visit from Santa, children’s activities, a food truck, hot chocolate and lighting of an estimated 30-foot spruce tree at 5:30 p.m.

People also can send letters to Santa via a special mailbox placed at the event.

Most of the activities will take place in the park area next to the borough building.

“We hope to have as many people as possible here for the event,” said Shawn Peterson, borough secretary and event co-chair. “The idea (for a light up night) came about when we knew it was time to restring the tree near the corner of Fox Chapel Road and Field Club Road.

“The tree has grown quite a lot in the past few years, and the lights on the tree didn’t reach the top anymore. Chuck Smith from public works restrung the entire tree with new lights. We will also add a starburst tree topper in the next few weeks. Mayor Alex Scott and our special guest, Santa Claus, will conduct the illumination ceremony.”

Event planning began about two months ago with Peterson, co-chair Fox Chapel Police Sgt. Craig Sorg, library Executive Director Jill McConnell and library Development Manager Nadine Ostrowski.

“I think this event is important because it’s a great way to bring neighbors together to celebrate the holidays,” McConnell said. “We are invested in building community along with the Fox Chapel Borough by participating and partnering with them on annual community events like Light Up Fox Chapel. The library is hosting a craft table for kids. Some other activities will be pictures with Santa, a caricature artist, games and music.”

Sorg hopes to get a snow machine to turn the park into a winter wonderland.

“It’s been exciting,” he said about Light Up preparation. “I just enjoy doing the events. We thought it would be a good way to help bring the community together. We try to be community-oriented and thought it would be nice to bring the community together to start the holiday season. I picture Santa Claus here and the kids getting to see Santa.”

A menorah from Adat Shalom, the synagogue on Guys Run Road in Indiana Township, will also be on display.

People are encouraged to park at the library, 403 Fox Chapel Road.

They are also encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League’s annual Stuff-a-Store collection.

Participating police departments collect toys to be donated to WPPA at the Monroeville Mall. They are then wrapped and distributed to various communities Dec. 17.

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