Volunteers needed to help with environmental efforts during Sewickley's Light Up Night

Volunteers are needed to make Sewickley’s Light Up Night celebration environmentally friendly.

The holiday event is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1. Festivities are planned for 5-9 p.m. along Broad, Beaver and Walnut streets.

More than 10,000 people attended last year’s Light Up Night. Such a crowd can produce a lot of trash.

Organizers want to make it a zero-waste event, with discarded items being properly disposed of in compost, recycling and landfill containers. Bins will be stationed in various locations along the streets.

Those interested in helping out can contact Bridgett Bates at bbates@sewickleyborough.org for more information.

Sewickley’s holiday spectacular has been a beloved borough tradition for more than 40 years.

It was previously run by Explore Sewickley. The past few installments were organized by council vice president Julie Barnes and her event committee.

“It’s more of a celebration for what Sewickley is all about,” Mayor George Shannon said. “Sewickley is a very unique community, and it’s a very festive time of year. We have that type of town that supports a festivity. We look at it as a party for Sewickley, our residents and for the people that live around us.”

The mayor pushed for Light Up Night’s resurgence after it was canceled for two years due to the pandemic.

Activities planned

Scheduled entertainment includes the Allegheny Brass Band, Elias Khouri, the Mt. Calvary Gospel Choir, and an Earth Wind and Fire tribute band.

There will be a youth stage for children’s performances.

Other activities include ice sculpting, caroling, Esmark fireworks, food trucks and games from local nonprofits.

Most of the food trucks will be located in the Green Street parking lot.

Free parking on Light Up Night will be available at the Sewickley Valley YMCA, Sewickley Presbyterian Church, St. Stephen’s Church, St. James Church and Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital along Blackburn Street.

Shannon commended Barnes and her team for getting all the businesses and nonprofits on board.

“She’s so good at it and she’s so effective at it,” Shannon said. “We have a terrific committee, a terrific council. We raise enough money to pay for it. The borough doesn’t pay for it. We raise money privately. It’s going to be as good as ever.”

The presenting sponsor is FNB Corp.

“Our commitment to strengthen and enrich our communities has to encompass the traditions that give our local neighborhoods their unique character,” said Vincent J. Delie Jr., FNB chairman, president and chief executive officer.

“FNB is proud to bring Light Up Night to Sewickley and to create opportunities for our neighbors to make even more memories this holiday season.”

Judith European Day Spa is also one of the event’s top sponsors.

Barnes said the event would not be possible without the support of local businesses.

“We are sincerely thankful for the support of all our sponsors, especially FNB, who has served as an integral partner for the funding and planning this year, allowing us to anticipate another magical evening for our town.”