HALIFAX MAYOR STANDS UP FOR TOWN!!!

By: Dylan Bowman, HAHS Board Member & Ryan Bowman, HAHS President

December 13, 2025

During a tense moment for those nearby, Halifax Mayor Jeff Enders faces off with the Belsnickel at the parade held annually in the small town to honor the fur-clad legend. Photograph by Dylan Bowman.

A Town's Hero

On December 6 of this year, a large group of attendees at the Halifax Area Historical Society’s Annual Belsnickel Holiday Parade and Festival inadvertently found themselves near a hazardous situation. As is his custom, Belsnickel, the well-known figure from old-world German and Appalachian folklore, made his descent from the mountains to the small town to enjoy the festivities thrown there annually in honor of the fur-clad legend. Once there, he greeted the citizens and set out to continue his tradition of distributing treats for the admirable and enforcing justice to the impish throughout Pennsylvania, when the event took an unexpected and disturbing turn.

With Belsnickel handing out treats and punishment on the parade route, the marchers made their way up North 3^rd street past the humble home of the town’s mayor, Jeff Enders, where a confrontation occurred. Mayor Enders walked into the street during the procession and confronted the "Furry Santa.”

A shouting match ensued, nearly leading to a bout of fisticuffs. Witnesses overheard the Belsnickel claiming that Enders was "acting very impish." Mayor Enders ignored the claim and valiantly told the Belsnickel to "get out of his town" and stop harassing his neighbors.

With hands on his hips, Belsnickel hesitated at this show of hostile rhetoric before grudgingly shaking his head, and moving on to finish the parade, and apparently enjoying the rest of the day’s festivities. Though it was noted by many eyewitnesses that Belsnickel’s disposition seemed even more sour than usual for the remainder of the day.

Halifax Mayor Jeff Enders points out the Belsnickel's "dumb switch" to witnesses, perhaps with unpleasant memories in mind. Photograph by Dylan Bowman.

Splinter-Free Backsides for All

It seems clear to the authors that the mayor of the town, venerated now for his many years of service and commitment to the community, must hold quite the personal grudge from the days of his own wild youth when the justice wielding switch of the Belsnickel graced his backside. Probably a lot. Certainly, these past experiences led to the reckless bravado shown by our fearless mayor and not only saved several back-sides from a “warm” afternoon but also gained Jeff Enders an everlasting respect from the surrounding regions and beyond.

In closing, the Halifax Arear Historical Society would like to express our appreciation to Mayor Jeff Enders for standing up to the Belsnickel on behalf of the Halifax citizens and surrounding communities. Or at least the impish ones.

*This article was created with the sole purpose of humorous parody. For countless years, Halifax Mayor Jeff Enders has been a great friend and an avid supporter of the Halifax Area Historical Society through many events and projects, including the Annual Belsnickel Holiday Parade & Festival. We appreciate you, Mayor Enders!

Halifax Mayor Jeff Enders stands up to the Belsnickel and tells him to "take your parade and get out of my town." Photographs by Dylan Bowman.