Festivals Fredonia President Larry Fiorella joins dancers from Collage Performing Arts Center to light the village tree in Barker Common. Photo by Jo Ward

FREDONIA — Miracle on Main Street dazzled Saturday with the largest turnout Festivals Fredonia President Larry Fiorella has seen since he started his now four year stint chairing the group.

“I think with the newer and more prevalent signage, it led people to different areas at the right times,” Fiorella said. “We had signage for every single venue and every single event that is going on.”

Peggy Rose, owner and cake designer of the Cakery was surprised with the attendance.

“I’ve been doing this 18 years, this is the biggest year yet,” Rose stated. “We’re selling out. Usually we do about 100 houses a year- this year we’re probably at about 160.”

At one point, Rose had to leave the event to go back to her business and get more houses.

Danielle Mead, operator of Franklin Honey and Apple’s kettle corn stand, faced her own problems, as they tried to keep up with demand.

“We ran out of cotton candy sugar. Since I was waiting, I also had them bring down the bigger machine, too,” She started. “We made five batches of popcorn within the half hour of the tree lighting alone.”

Every event was packed, from the WCA Christmas ornament sale, to the sellers at the Grange, there wasn’t a place where people weren’t gathered.

As 3:30 p.m. drew close, and Santa and Mrs. Claus, made their way to the gazebo in Barker Common to light the village tree, the dancers of Collage Performing Arts Center sparkled in their first ever performance at Miracle on Main Street, and it was to a large group of spectators.

As the tree lighting commenced, Festivals Fredonia presented a $500 check to Mark Mackey, president of the Grange.

“Every year we choose a non-profit to give back to, and this year it’s Fredonia Grange No. 1,” Fiorella stated. “The first grange in the U.S., celebrating their 150th anniversary.”

Following the day’s events, families made their way to the Fredonia Opera House to enjoy a free screening of “The Polar Express,” courtesy of the Fredonia Beaver Club, where each child was given their very own “believe” bell to take home.

Festival Fredonia would like to thank all their sponsors for their generous donations this year, including, Walmart, Weather Hill Farm, Home Depot, Tuscany Fresh Meats and Deli, the Cakery, the Fredonia Opera House, the Fredonia Grange No. 1, the Fredonia Methodist Church, Collage Performing Arts Academy, Dave and Gina Kron of Tim Hortons, Country Fair, Bargain Monkey Liquidations and Closeouts and Toots Tree Farm.