The Frackville Business and Professional Association (FBPA) is kicking off the Christmas season with a full slate of holiday activities designed to bring families together and raise money to upgrade the community’s Christmas light display.
Since reorganizing in May 2023, the FBPA has grown to more than 35 member businesses and has made revitalizing Frackville’s holiday decorations one of its top priorities. The group’s “Light Fund” has already surpassed $16,000, with a plan in place to replace all current bulbs within the next year and then move toward a complete redesign of the town’s Christmas lighting.
To support that effort, the FBPA will host “Christmas on the Mountain” on Saturday, December 13, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Arch Street Park. The event will feature the debut of a newly planted community Christmas tree, donated by Larry Trakes of Broad Mtn Landscaping.
Families can expect a festive afternoon and evening that includes free children’s activities, “Selfies with Santa,” a decorating contest, and a Christmas Scavenger Hunt. A brass ensemble will provide holiday music, while food trucks and S’mores stations help keep everyone warm. A bike raffle, sponsored by Guardian, will also be held during the event.
Adding to the holiday charm, horse-drawn carriage rides—sponsored by the Elks and the FBPA—will be offered from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required to participate in the rides.
“Since reorganizing last May, our focus has been on bringing the community together and giving back to the 17931 zip code,” said FBPA President Mark Andrewcavage. “From the new tree at Arch Street Park to the future lighting upgrades, every dollar raised goes back into making Frackville a brighter place to live and work.”
The association is already looking beyond the holidays. On February 21, the FBPA will host a Mardi Gras Fundraiser featuring music by “Catch 23,” a costume contest, giveaways, and raffles. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple and include food and beverages, with many local businesses contributing food donations.
The FBPA, which meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at rotating member businesses, also organizes the Annual Pumpkin Festival (held the first Saturday in October), the Jack Rich, Inc. Annual Phillies Ticket Raffle, and awards two annual scholarships to students living in the 17931 zip code. Annual membership dues are $50.
Residents and businesses who wish to help brighten Frackville’s holiday season can contribute directly to the Light Fund by mailing donations to:
FBPA
PO Box 261
Frackville, PA 17931