2nd ANNUAL “HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS IN LATROBE”

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011 –  9 AM–3 PM

Ho!  Ho!  Ho!  It’s time to celebrate the Holiday Season in downtown Latrobe!

The Latrobe Community Revitalization Program and Latrobe Art Center are kicking off the 2^nd Annual “Holly Jolly Christmas in Latrobe” on Saturday, December 3rd, from 9am-3pm.

“We are urging the public to “Shop Local” and visit downtown Latrobe and its businesses, shops, and restaurants,” commented Annette Couch, Director of the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program.  Holiday Open Houses will be held at Latrobe Art Center, The Medicine Shoppe, and Rose Style Shoppe.  This year, the list of events has grown to include the Laurel Highlands Artisans Holiday Craft Show, a Visit from Santa, carolers in the streets, and food vendors in The Medicine Shoppe parking lot!”

“After last year’s successful “Holly Jolly Christmas In Latrobe”, the Latrobe Art Center is thrilled to once again co-sponsor this downtown holiday event with the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program.  The LAC artists are looking forward to showcasing their unique holiday gifts!  In addition, the 2011 hand painted holiday ornaments and Christmas card collection will be on sale here at the Center,” commented Gabrielle Nastuck, LAC Director. 

Featured artists at LAC include: 

Jennifer Boget – Watercolor display

Billie and John Humberger - Jewelry

Barbara Jewell – Watercolor display

Rose Kmetz – Stained Glass

Marci Mason – Silk scarves, jewelry, watercolor, Christmas cards

Jim Mikula – Quilter

Mary Lou Myers – Jewelry “Dragonfly Collection by Mary Lou”

John Sabatos – Children’s wooden trains, toys, and tables

Diana Shutt - Handmade vintage ornaments

Connie Blair – Wool & silk scarves, and wool accessories

Gabrielle Nastuck added, “Bring your children for story time “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” at noon.  Santa will be making a special stop at the Latrobe Art Center immediately following story time until 2 p.m.

Sue Schroppe of The Medicine Shoppe said, “We’re excited to be part of Holly Jolly again this year!  It’s fun for the whole family.  We even invited the “Grinch” who agreed to get his picture taken with the kids who visit us!  We look forward to seeing everybody out and about on Saturday, December 3^rd.”  The Medicine Shoppe will also offer a Mystery Santa Saver Coupon for adults, and a holiday craft for children.

“Please join us at our Holiday Open House from 9am-3pm!  Enjoy leisurely shopping, complementary gift wrapping, tasty refreshments, and great personalized service” remarked Ronda Goetz, owner of Rose Style Shoppe.

Also participating in the Holly Jolly Christmas is Christ the Divine Teacher School.  “Come visit Christ the Divine Teacher School’s Craft Show!  Over 20 crafters/vendors with a wide variety of crafts will be available to meet your holiday shopping needs, “commented Kathy Noel (Craft Show Chairperson).  The PTG is holding a Bake Sale.  CDT is also the home for the children’s craft from 10:30-11:30 where children can create their own pop up Christmas tree card!” 

“The Laurel Highlands Artisans Group is very honored and excited to be collaborating with the Latrobe Art Center and the LCRP for this wonderful Holly Jolly holiday event!  Our group is busy gearing up for the show which will include over a dozen artists selling everything from sculpture to photography to fiber arts to jewelry and paintings and much more,” commented Nicole Golden, President of LHAG.

2^nd ANNUAL “HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS IN LATROBE” EVENT SCHEDULE:

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Event Schedule  9 am – 3 pm

9:00 – 3:00           Holiday Open House & Live Music at the Latrobe Art Center & Neighborhood Café

9:00 – 3:00           Holiday Open House at Rose Style Shoppe

9:00 – 2:00           Holiday Open House & Special Christmas Values at The Medicine Shoppe

9:00 – 3:00           Laurel Highlands Artisans Holiday Show in the Quatrini/Rafferty Building (corner of Main & Ligonier Street)

10:00 – 3:00        Craft Fair, Bake Sale & delicious food at Christ the Divine Teacher School

10:00 – 3:00        Food Vendors in The Medicine Shoppe parking lot (corner of Depot & Ligonier)

10:00 – Noon     Christmas caroling throughout downtown by Christ the Divine Teacher School’s Select Chorus & Outreach Club

10:30 – 11:30      Children’s Christmas Craft at Christ the Divine Teacher School

12:00 – 2:00        Story Time "How The Grinch Stole Christmas” at Latrobe Art Center, immediately followed by a Visit from Santa!

3:00                        Grand Prize drawing for Holly Jolly Gift Basket at Latrobe Art Center

We are grateful to Brent Polinsky (EWCTC Graphic Communications Instructor) and the students of Eastern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center who helped to design and print our event flyers and posters.  In addition, EWCTC students have designed the back drops for the children’s story time and culinary students are baking “Grinch” cookies to be distributed after story time.

Many local businesses have donated wonderful gift items and certificates to fill the Holly Jolly gift baskets which will be displayed at the Latrobe Art Center.  Look for the gift basket entry form in the Latrobe Bulletin on Wednesday, November 30^th, or Thursday, December 1^st.  The entry form may be dropped off at Latrobe Art Center (corner of Main and Ligonier Street) beginning Friday, December 2^nd, and Saturday, December 3^rd, between 9am-3pm.  At that time, you will be given a discount coupon listing the participating merchants.  One entry per person.  Grand Prize drawing for this basket will be held at 3pm at Latrobe Art Center on December 3^rd. 

If your business would like to participate in this holiday event, please contact Annette Couch at the LCRP Office at 724.805.0112 or Gabi Nastuck at the Latrobe Art Center at 724.537.7011.

So--support your local merchants and come downtown for the “Holly Jolly Christmas In Latrobe” for lots of food, fun, shopping, entertainment, and activities to put you in the Holiday spirit!