Silver Bells Festival
Silver Bells Festival
Annual parade and month-long celebration returns to Salamanca
To usher in the holiday spirit, the City of Salamanca recently announced its lineup for this year’s edition of its Silver Bells Celebration, happening throughout the month of December. The festival takes its name from the hit holiday song, “Silver Bells” by Salamanca native, the late, great singer Ray Evans. Funded in part by the Ray & Wyn Ritchie Evans Foundation, the annual Silver Bells Celebration has been a cherished tradition in Salamanca over the past two decades as various venues around the city open up to holiday themed events for all ages to enjoy. Expect appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday parade, caroling, treats, and more. EllicottvilleNOW caught up with Gary Quattrone, events coordinator for the Seneca Salamanca Chamber of Commerce, who commented on this year’s festivities.
“It all kicks off Sunday, December 1st,” said Quattrone via phone interview. “Santa Claus is going to be there… there’s going to be carriage rides and some refreshments – hot chocolate, hot dogs, cookies. Arts and crafts will be available for purchase for those looking to do a little shopping of handmade goods, and the Christmas Open House goes from 1:00-300pm at Swan Street Florist at 16 Swan Street.”
Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino will host the annual tree lighting on December 4th, which will also feature activities and a musical performance. The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is free to all. The event commences at 5:00pm at the Casino’s bus lobby port-cochère, and the tree lighting will take place around 5:30pm. Performances will be given by Cami Clune, Rockette-style dancers, and the Green Festive Mischief Maker, aka the Grinch! Santa and Mrs. Claus are also expected to make an appearance. To make everything even sweeter, hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies will be provided by the Casino.
“Then it continues on December 7th,” Quattrone said. “That’s when we have our Parade that goes down Main Street and ends at Jefferson Street Park.” He added that Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a firetruck and will light the lights in the park. There will be hot chocolate, cookies, music, and more. “The Annual Salamanca Silver Bells Parade will start at 6:00pm and lasts about one hour.”
On December 12th, the Allegany Community Center will hold its Christmas Party from 5:00-7:00pm at 3677 Administration Drive. This family-friendly event will offer holiday activities and treats for all to enjoy. For additional information and registration information, call 716-945-8119.
“On the 13th, we have Santa’s Carnival, which will be a ‘trunk-or-treat,' which is different this year than what they normally do.” Quattrone explained that trunks will be decorated and will offer little gifts for the children. CCA’s Annual Santa’s Carnival will take place at 25 Jefferson Street from 2:00-4:00pm. The event is free and open for all to attend.
“Something kind of different will take place on the 14th. it’s a ‘Fill-a-Bus Holiday Food Drive’ which will be stationed at our Save-A-Lot at 35 Church Street from 10:00am-2:00pm,” Quattrone continued. “Connecting Communities in Action is partnering with the Salamanca City School District Transportation Department; they park a bus at Save-A-Lot, and the public can donate non-perishable food items which benefits the CCA food pantry.”
On the 15th, Riverside Chapel will showcase its annual Christmas cantata at 3:00pm. ‘A Blest Messiah Born: The Christmas Story Through Timeless Carols’ arranged by Larry Shackley will be performed by the Ellicottville-Salamanca Cantata Choir at 134 Broad Street. As previously reported by ellicottvilleNOW in October, the piece includes several Christmas carol favorites in a fun retelling of the story of Christmas.
The next day, December 16th, a ‘Make a Gingerbread House’ event will be held from 5:30-7:00pm at the Native Connections Club House at 986 RC Hoag Drive. For reservations, please contact Melissa at 716-945-8413.
And that’s not all. Quattrone noted several events on December 21st and 22nd as the Silver Bells holiday festivities continue. “We have breakfast with Santa from 9:00-11:00am at Ava & Mae’s Café, 219 Broad Street. Mrs. Claus will join Santa for that annual event. Then, back at the Riverside Chapel at 10:30am, there is an Old Fashioned Christmas Children’s program.”
Finally, Quattrone added that a Christmas cabaret show will be held on Saturday, December 21st at 7:30pm and on Sunday, December 22nd at 2:00pm at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater at 10 Main Street.
With so many options to choose from, Salamanca’s Silver Bells Celebration offers events for kiddos big and small that will get your family in the spirit this holiday season. For up-to-date event information, be sure to check out the Seneca Salamanca Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.salamancachamber.org, or call 716-945-2034. Also be sure to check the Chamber’s Facebook page for more event details at https://www.facebook.com/SalamancaChamber/.