New Kensington mayor's community dinner ushers in holiday season

A New Kensington holiday tradition has returned.

The fire station along Fourth Avenue opened its doors Friday night for Mayor Tom Guzzo’s 11th annual community dinner. It wasn’t held last year because of covid.

Festivities kicked off shortly before 5:30 p.m. with Christmas carols by the city tree at Ninth Street and Fourth Avenue, across from Ashley’s Kitchen.

“We are so thrilled to be doing this again,” Guzzo said. “It’s a chance for everyone to make new friends and sit with old friends.”

City firefighter Anthony Bruni donated the 12-foot-tall blue spruce. Public works crews installed and decorated it.

“It feels good to give back to the city,” Bruni said. “I’ve been involved since the mayor started it because I’m with the fire department. Helping him continue this tradition (is exciting). I know the mayor gets a lot of pleasure of it, and I hope people have a nice time. It’s something for people to look at when they drive through downtown.”

About 50 people braved the cold in time for the tree lighting. Some wore sandals with socks, others were in long-sleeved shirts and a few bundled up so much all that was showing was their eyes.

Valley High School junior Cade Robertson, 17, was a brave soul and came out in the mid-30-degree weather with a hoodie and gym shorts.

“I’m comfortable,” he said standing by a few of his peers. “I feel great. I’m with my friends here. Maybe go to some shops later. I didn’t get enough sweatpants. I have enough hoodies, though. It’s always a great time of the year.”

Maria DelVecchio, a choir singer at Mount St. Peter Parish, led the crowd in a few carols, including “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Silent Night,” just before Guzzo and Bruni turned on the tree lights.

We wish you a merry Christmas from New Ken’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony. pic.twitter.com/slPWMnQ3CL

— Mike D. (@MikeJdiVittorio) December 3, 2021

Residents, city officials and other volunteers then made their way to the fire station for servings of ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, meatballs, pasta, corn, stuffing and a plethora of desserts.

The Rev. Darryl Johnson of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church said a prayer over the food and people.

Resident Abby Yurga, 22, and her sister, Lucy, 9, were among the 150 dinner guests. They both said everything was delicious.

“We need this type of stuff,” Yurga said. “We need to get together and do all this fun stuff to grow a stronger community.”

Lucy said Christmas is her favorite holiday for several reasons.

“There’s a few different things, but I love spending time with my family and getting new stuff,” she said.

Children were able to climb on the old fire trucks inside the station. Others grabbed some meals to go.

Guzzo thanked his family and friends for their support and called the dinner a success.

“It’s my favorite day of the year,” he said. “It’s a pretty good turnout, especially with covid. I think a lot of people are still sort of bashful about coming out, but we’re thrilled with the turnout.”

The dinner and tree lighting were just part of the many holiday events planned this month in New Kensington.

Other events planned

Saturday will begin with a breakfast with Santa hosted by the Burrell-New Kensington Rotary. It will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at Preserving, 1101 Fifth Ave., on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 11th Street.

Information on a scavenger hunt throughout the day will be given to children at the breakfast. Prizes will be given out at Voodoo Brewery at 956 Fifth Ave.

The holiday parade, hosted by the city, will begin at 11 a.m.

Following the parade, free horse-and-carriage rides will be available from 1 to 4 p.m. Children will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Also after the parade, carolers will be at Preserving, around town and at various businesses, weather permitting. A train and gingerbread village display will be at Modfinish at 1013 Fifth Ave.

Dec. 11 will be Craft Day. A craft fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Kensington Arts Center at 950 Fifth Ave., and a cookie-decorating contest will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at Voodoo.

People’s Library will host a holiday photo booth from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library courtyard. Guzzo read holiday stories there starting at 1 p.m.

On Dec. 12, Preserving and Sweet Alchemy Bake Shop will host a “Vegan & Vinyl” holiday market. It will take place from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Preserving.