Published: November 17, 2009 01:46 pm      

Descending on downtown | Yule, cheerleading events expected to lure thousands

Santa Claus is coming to town, but – and we mean no disrespect to the jolly old man – so are a lot of other people, and that’s what we’re truly excited about.

Thousands of people are expected in Johnstown this weekend to attend two big annual events: The Hometown Christmas Celebration on Friday night and the Pennsylvania State Cheerleading Championships on Saturday and Sunday.

That adds up to plenty of entertainment and excitement.

Both events take a lot of hard work and planning and our hats are off to the groups and people who step up to make them happen each year.

* The Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership spearheads the Christmas Celebration, which will include a parade featuring Santa, balloon floats, bands and a two-mile benefit run; Light Up Night in Central Park; and a holiday concert.

It all begins at 5 Friday in the park.

“This is an ideal time for people to see our city decorated in its holiday finest,” Sharyn Spinelli, a member of the partnership, said.

“It’s particularly fun for the children, who can greet Santa and enjoy the festivities that go with it.”

* Debbie McQuillen of Westmont is the founder and director of the Pennsylvania State Cheerleading Championships, which is expected to bring to the city 104 teams from all regions of Pennsylvania.

“They come from New Castle High School in the west to Schuylkill Valley High School in the east,” McQuillen said.

The competition gets under way at 10 a.m. Saturday and again at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

Tim Landis, War Memorial general manager, said he expects to see about 2,000 visitors each day.

Wonderful.

The entertainment aspect of these two events is extremely important. No question. But no one should minimize the economic boost they provide to the Greater Johnstown area.

Visitors from all over the state coming together with participants and fans from our region translates into a lot of money being spent on admission fees, hotels and motels, food and shopping.

We hope our readers consider joining in the fun.