StarShine starts the holiday season

PENN YAN--The 32nd annual StarShine event will be held this Friday, Dec. 2, in the village.
The holiday celebration will take place along Main Street, with roads being closed to traffic from Water to Chapel streets from 3:30 to 9 p.m. Activities will begin at 5 p.m. and run until the event ends at 9 p.m.
One of the popular features of the event will be the annual Miss Penn Yan competition that begins at 7:30 p.m. This year, there are 10 participants in the program.
The candidates are judged on a variety of platforms including their application, interview with the judges and speech. In addition, they have to write an essay on what they would do to improve the community if they were in charge for one day. (See related story on the candidates on page 3.)
The lighting of the Lions Club Community Christmas tree will be at 6 p.m. Santa's arrival is due at 7 p.m. at the Community Bank to meet with children. Mrs. Claus will also join him.
There will be live performances on the stage between all the different events. In addition, there will be non-profit vendors along Main Street from across the county with baked goods, decorations and hot drinks.
The St. Michael School chorus and singers will perform, and horse-and-wagon rides will be available near the post office.
The Penn Yan Fire Department will have an "Elf School," with cookie decorating, face painting and a lesson in making reindeer food.