Observatory Hill welcomed residents for its second annual Light-Up Night, complete with a cookie decorating table, a silent auction and a visit from Santa.

By Sophia Mastroianni

Christmas tunes echoed across the parking lot on Perrysville Avenue and overflowed onto the street as Northside residents danced with glow necklaces on and hot chocolate in hand for the second annual Observatory Hill Light-Up Night.

Kaitlyn Schorr, daughter to the owners of Schorr Bakery, managed a cookie decorating station for all of the adults and children who wanted to create their own cookies, despite the below freezing temperatures.

“The kids love it,” she said. “It’s really nice being a part of the community.”

It’s the community members that encourage her to volunteer at the cookie decorating station in such frigid conditions, said Melissa Land, an employee at Schorr Bakery.

“Our customers are wonderful,” she said.

Children lined up, wearing decorated attire like elf and reindeer hats, blowing bubbles, nibbling on cookies they decorated, cotton candy and hot dogs while singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” encouraging Santa’s arrival with glee.

Once Santa arrived, residents moved away from the outdoor heater, braced themselves for the 25-degree weather, and lined up, eager to greet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, hoping they have been good enough to receive the gifts they asked for.