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By Jill Runfola

This year’s Miracle on McKean, held on November 25 from 5 - 7:30 p.m., brought people of all walks of life together to celebrate Small Business Saturday and the holidays in Charleroi.

Santa was a little crowded with wish lists when the Scott children visited with him. Pictured are Crystal, age 7, and Brian, age 6.

At least 25 businesses in town participated, including Perk Up Café, Off The Wall Art, Studio K, Prima Diva Boutique, The Escape Room, RiverHouse Restaurant, The Emporium, Dairy Queen, and more. On the comfortably seasonable evening, the crowds turned out to enjoy the excitement of all the Christmas activities.

The festivities began with a Christmas parade at 5 p.m. in town. Children felt the magic of Christmas as Santa Claus visited in Charleroi Market House from 5:30 – 7:15 p.m. During that time, Joey Papadakos performed live music, followed by the Molly Jade Band. Food vendors sold pepperoni rolls, hot dogs, walking tacos, coffee, and water. Also, a horse-drawn carriage took people for rides around town.

Live Nativity scenes featured Bible re-enactors telling the story of their characters. The gifted performers belong to The Christian Center Church from Belle Vernon and City Reach Church in Charleroi. Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus made up one scene and brought the story of the birth of Jesus to life. The three wise men, richly adorned, spoke of their travels and the gifts they offered when they came to see the newborn Savior.

The event was sponsored by Charleroi Chamber of Commerce and Team Charleroi (business owners); Greater Charleroi Community Development Corp. also was involved. Daneen Troup, main organizer for the event, owner of Prima Diva Boutique, and member of Charleroi Chamber of Commerce and Team Charleroi, says this is the first year for Miracle on McKean, but the seventh year Charleroi has celebrated small businesses.

Troup said, “It’s great when all of us [business owners] come together and do a little to create something fun for the town and let them know what we have here.” She added, “We’re so excited to have churches involved that that are doing a live Nativity and are interactive.”

Daneen Troup, Prima Diva Boutique owner, says Nolan Moscow, pictured, age 9, was one of her very first customers for Small Business Saturday in Charleroi.

The evening concluded with all attendees coming together in Magic City Square for a candlelight Christmas song gathering. Pastor Gregg Anders of City Reach Church in Charleroi spoke to the crowd about the importance of the true meaning of Christmas. “Learn the true meaning. Find a church, and if you can’t get to one, walk,” he urged. Then, everyone lifted their lit candles and sang in unison, “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.”

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