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The day after Thanksgiving holds a special event for the Westfield community. The event celebrates Christmas, as this day is the unofficial beginning to the holiday season.

To prepare for the day, Cindy Ritchey and the rest of the Westfield Historical Society started decorating. Decorating the tree outside of the NAPA building, is an eight-year tradition of the Westfield residents to prepare the town for the Christmas season.

On November 23, the festivities start at 4:00 p.m. with the tree lighting, and a Christmas story read by Mayor Beth Rowland. At 5:30 p.m. the Westfield Christmas parade will begin. Line-up will be at 5:00 p.m. at the Electri-Cord parking lot on Main Street. To be a part of the parade, the Historical Society is asking participants to contact Ritchey at (814) 367-5673. They urge the town to be a part of the parade, as it is open to anyone. Prizes will be awarded.

Cookies with Santa will follow the parade at the Methodist Youth Center on Maple Street. All are welcome to join for cookies and hot cocoa. “Parents, bring your cameras if you would like pictures,” Ritchey said, noting there will be plenty of photo opportunities.

Anyone interested in donating cookies for the event can contact Tanya Nudd.

Currently, there is a flower box contest going on until Wednesday, November 21. Those who have a flower box on Main Street may decorate it before 9 a.m. on this day and could be awarded a prize. Judging will be done by the Westfield Historical Society.

For more information on any Christmas event, contact the Westfield Historical Society or Cindy Ritchey at (814) 367-5673.