Hundred is planning a special Christmas event this year surrounding the annual Christmas parade and public arrival of Santa Claus.

Jennifer Kolat appeared before the town council Monday night to discuss the possibility of having an Old Fashioned Christmas in the downtown area one night during the holiday season. Council agreed with and applauded the efforts of her and others to make such a special night a reality.

“It would be nice to have people here in town,” said Kolat.

After some discussion, they settled on setting it for Friday, Dec. 13, from 6-8:30 p.m. If there is adverse weather, they will move it to the next Friday, Dec. 20.

Kolat said she is already in discussion with various parties to make the festive family event a reality. She has secured burn barrels that are used in Waynesburg that will provide warming spots along the streets. They will contain small fires, not big bonfires, and each will be manned by a responsible adult.

They plan to have strolling carolers and horse and buggy rides on the walking trail. She is working on getting a live nativity set up, perhaps in the empty lot between the laundromat and feed store.

Inquiring as to if a street could be blocked, council agreed that Virginia Street and then Wetzel Street to the new bridge could be closed for the festivities.

The annual parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Hundred High School and proceed down Route 250 and up Pennsylvania Avenue/Route 69.

“And everyone will be anticipating the arrival of the jolly old elf,” said Councilwoman Johanna Lemasters.

The fire truck with Santa Claus will stop on the main street at the new Wetzel Street bridge, where he will take up residence, as he had done in years past in Hundred. There on the bridge children can sit on Santa’s lap and tell them their Christmas wishes and maybe even receive a toy.

Kolat shared that a woman in the area has knit 100 hats and wants to hand them out to the children. In order to keep her warm, they will see if she can be located in the laundromat. Also, she said the local 4-H group wants to give cookies to the children visiting Santa.

Further, Kolat has talked to most of the businesses in the area and they are willing to stay open late and offer some specials in conjunction with the event.

“I have lots of things planned,” said Kolat.

Another idea is to perhaps have a wrapping station at the senior citizens building. She thought maybe a church group would volunteer to do that.

Also, she is hoping to make the trees by the Hundred sign memorial Christmas trees. It would offer free ribbons on which people could write the names of deceased loved ones.

“We’re hoping almost everything will be free of charge,” said Kolat, who added that hopefully those with a charge will be minimal.

Anyone who wants to set up anything or volunteer to help make the plans a reality is asked to call Kolat at 304-775-5113. Also, anyone who wants to be in the parade can call Recorder Sherry Hayes at the city building, 304-775-5131.