By: Dylan Bowman, HAHS Board Member
January 6, 2023
Volunteers Emma Bowman and Graylee Dobbin make a signature hot chocolate for customers. Photograph by Dylan Bowman.
Though a new year has already begun and the Belsnickel has returned to the unknown regions of Appalachia until next year, it still feels like Christmas to me...snow is falling outside as I write this. Winter magic is in the air.
It is a winter worth remembering, and with it, a spectacular new phase in the growth of the HAHS Belsnickel Parade & Festival. But not one ounce of the magic behind it would be possible without all those souls who stepped up, went the extra mile for their community and volunteered.
From cooking and set-up to serving food, manning the many stations that existed for adults and children alike, and overseeing the parade, the Halifax Area Historical Society Board would like to thank you. Whether individual or organization, if you helped, even in the smallest of ways, YOU were a part of making history.
Now, yeah, I get it...sounds stupid, quiche and impersonal when you read it. Some digital message sent your way in a snow squall with a disembodied voice telling you "YOU MADE HISTORY." You may may not feel like you did. Most people don't, and that's why they don't care about history or get involved in their community in the general sense. But here's how I view it...
History...REAL history...is made, yes by the large things. Nations. Kings and Queens and Presidents. Wars. Walls falling, laws being made, people dying and being born. But I believe with every fiber of my being it is in the smallest of things as well. A helping hand. A child's storybook being read. A really good bowl of stew on a cold day. And yes, a parade and festival in one, small Pennsylvania town.
Top: Ryan Bowman and Max Bowman discuss particulars of traffic and parking for the festival. Photograph by Dylan Bowman.
Bottom: Volunteers assist in the execution of the Belsnickel Parade & Festival. Photograph by Dylan Bowman.
Each and every person and event in our lives creates a ripple effect that not only builds the story of man's existence on Earth, but should also create in us a sense of being and narrative. This is our story. We are characters, and each of our doings makes the next chapter happen. Without those small things, the large ones would never be and the story would be a sad one.
Makes one want to look at life differently, right? I know it does for me. It did for George Bailey, too.
Without the time, effort, help and donations of all those involved, the 21st Annual Belsnickel Parade & Festival would not have been possible. For this, we would like to thank you, once again, and tell you that we look forward to seeing you next year as we plan to make the 22nd Annual Parade & Festival bigger and better than any before it.
Happy New Year to you and yours from the HAHS!
If you have the desire to volunteer at the HAHS, even for one job at one event that you have a passion for, it will make all the difference. Contact us any time at our email (halifax.pa.history@gmail.com) or phone number (717-896-8010). We would love to get to know you!
Individuals come together to make the 21st Annual Belsnickel Parade & Festivities one to remember. Photographs by Dylan Bowman.
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