TRR photo by Tom Kane Antler-adorned and adults helped greet Santa as he rode in to Honesdale's "Home for the Holiday's" celebration. (Click for larger image)

Crowds cheer arrival of Santa

By TOM KANE

HONESDALE — Santa Claus officially arrived in Honesdale last Friday evening, as hundreds of residents lined both sides of Main Street.

It was the kick-off of the “Home For the Holidays” celebration sponsored by the Greater Honesdale Partnership and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce.

Honesdale stores hosted open houses all day Friday and Saturday, November 23 and 24.

“The celebration was a very nice mix of strong sales at Main Street stores and then a spirited community gathering in Central Park after the parade,” said Carson Mader, of the Greater Honesdale Partnership, after the weekend was over.

Gene and Pat Molessa of Quality Printing and Copying organized the parade as they have in past years.

“I think a lot of people like shopping in town rather than in malls,” said Cindy Williams of Morning Glory Gifts Shop, who headed up the Home for the Holidays Program.

Floats from local companies and organizations participated along with the engines of the Honesdale Fire Department and the Honesdale High School marching band.

“We don’t have a Santa Parade in Hamlin so we brought our daughter here to see Santa,” said Eleanor Compton.

Arthur Young and Bill Goldwrathe were on the sidelines, looking for their niece who was on the Honesdale National Bank float.

In Central Park residents and visitors were entertained by the Wayne Choraleers, who sang traditional carols.

Many other holiday activities are scheduled in December, including the popular “Living Nativity of the Churches” in Central Park on Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.