The Mayfair Business Improvement District on Sunday sponsored its sixth annual tree lighting and Christmas village at Frankford and Cottman avenues.
The event featured live music, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, vendors and the lighting of the Christmas tree by Marine Staff Sgt. Edward G. Tighe Jr., whose 11 years of service included a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2014.
Philly Heart & Soul performed, and the St. Matthew Elementary School choir sang Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Joy to the World, O Come, All Ye Faithful and Christmas carols.
Marine Toys for Tots officials, who were the grand marshals of the Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade, collected toys and money for their 75th annual campaign. Local organizer Anne Marie Muldoon encouraged people to donate toys – including ones for teenagers – at police and first stations and businesses. Boxes will start to be picked up the week of Dec. 12. More information is at https://philadelphia-pa.toysfortots.org/.
City Councilman Mike Driscoll and state Rep.-elect Pat Gallagher were in attendance. So was Bill Harmon and his decorated pickup truck featuring 3,700 colorful lights. Harmon’s house is a consistent winner in the annual Mayfair Christmas Decoration Contest. His theme this year is Christmas Around the World. ••
