By: Dylan Bowman, HAHS Board Member
October 29, 2024
The Belsnickel with some of his biggest fans. Photograph by Dylan Bowman.
This past Friday was another incredible success for the whole town of Halifax, as hundreds of families, friends and individuals came out for the annual pre-game community carnival spotlighting many local and school-based clubs, organizations, and companies and Friday Night Football, starring none other than the Halifax High School Football Team. The event itself was organized and run by Halifax Communities That Care and, throughout the evening, proved to be an effective and entertaining way to bring the community together for some fun and fellowship before the game later that night.
With the event having been postponed from its usual date in late September, this year's carnival fell closer to Halloween than it usually does, culminating several community events into a string of entertaining family fun that Halifaxians could enjoy, including the Carnival, the Halloween Parade, Trunk-or-Treat, and Halloween soon to follow. Though it was a VERY busy few days, I must admit that the events lining up in this way was a marvelous sight when it comes to community members gathering.
As the evening began and the crowds grew just off to the side of the field, the Belsnickel himself arrived for a pre-Christmas visit (most likely scoping out how many impish children he would have to discipline in the December season). Handing out candy and brochures, he assisted in the Historical Society's "Belsnickel Toss" game and talked to admiring children, who crowded around to ask questions and why his name sounded so funny.
The Belsnickel visits with admiring fans while the Halifax Area Historical Society runs the "Belsnickel Toss." Photographs by Dylan Bowman.
I must say that as I watched the Belsnickel conversing with the two dozen or more children that confronted him, I was beyond impressed at their excitement at his arrival and their genuine curiosity in his history and appearance. Even more impressive was the kids' desire to take as many Belsnickel flyers as they could each carry and pass them out (of their own will mind you) to their friends at school that next Monday. My heart was pounduing with excitement over their love of the "Furry Santa." Overall, there were far more interested individuals at the Historical Society booth than years prior...and I hope it only grows from here.
If you are interested in attending future Halifax Area Historical Society events, getting in touch for other information or simply want to visit our museum, website or other booming media, visit our Events page or give us a shout at halifax.pa.history@gmail.com. Check out more photos from this event at our Instagram page here and give us a follow for upcoming reminders, stories, articles and more!
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The Belsnickel visits with admiring fans while the Halifax Area Historical Society runs the "Belsnickel Toss." Photographs by Dylan Bowman.
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