The Parkesburg Action Committee (PAC) will present Christmas on Main, featuring holiday open houses at local businesses, craft vendors, an appearance by Santa, food trucks, Christmas caroling and a tree-lighting ceremony, on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 2 to 7 p.m. in downtown Parkesburg.

Last year's event was held from noon to 5 p.m., but organizers moved the time back for the 2021 event. "We wanted to move it to (create) more of a holiday spirit," said PAC member Jenny Alexander, one of the event organizers. "Last year, we ended before it was even dark."

Activities will take place on Main Street, where there will be food trucks and roaming Christmas carolers. Visitors will be able to enjoy a bonfire and hot cocoa on Main Street, which will be sponsored by the Parkesburg Parks and Recreation Commission.

All of the participating shops on Main Street will host local craft vendors and artisans at their locations. "Businesses will donate space in their stores for small vendors who don't have their own building," said Alexander. "(They will offer) all handmade items."

Participating businesses will also offer in-store holiday specials and bargains.

Photos with Santa will be available at Teresa Marie Photography, 224 Main St., Parkesburg. Children will be able to write letters to Santa at the Parkesburg Free Library, 105 West St., Parkesburg. Letters to Santa that children write at home can dropped off at the library or at Rocco & Anna's Ristorante Italiano, 302 Main St., Parkesburg, which will also host visits with Santa.

A tree-lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Main Street and Strasburg Road. Homestead Studios, a new business located at 100 Main St., Parkesburg, has donated the live 12-foot tree. The community tree will remain lit through the holiday season.

Last year, the tree was decorated by PAC members. This year, the public is being asked to help. "On Nov. 28 at 12:30 p.m., we are inviting the community to help decorate the tree (with ornaments that are) wildlife friendly," said Alexander. "We will have all kinds of birdseed ornaments, pinecones with peanut butter rolled in birdseed and (garland made of) popcorn and orange slices. The entire tree will be edible to wildlife."

In conjunction with Christmas on Main, Memories on Main, 322 Main St., Parkesburg, will distribute donated toys to people in need. People are asked to drop new, unwrapped toys at the shop during business hours through Thursday, Dec. 2.

"We will have a wrapping party with some local businesses and put (the gifts) under the tree in our shop and neighboring shops," explained Randy Litwin, who owns Memories on Main with his wife, Jen. "On Dec. 4, during Christmas on Main, any family that needs a toy can come in and grab one from under the tree."

He said that wrapped toys will be labeled for gender and age group. No registration or proof of income is required. Adults may collect one toy per child. "We wanted to make sure we (served) those families who needed extra help," said Randy. Leftover toys will be given to local toy drives.

For more information about Christmas on Main, visit http://www.facebook.com/PAC19365.