Holly Trail in Orwigsburg celebrates 40 years

Dec. 4—McKeansburg resident Gail Wolfe has been visiting the houses along the Holly Trail in Schuylkill County for about 20 years.

Officially called "The Holly Trail and Night of Lights Tour," the event is a fundraiser for the Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library.

"The houses have been gorgeous," Wolfe said of the five private residences on the trail this year, which encompasses homes in Orwigsburg and McKeansburg.

She loves seeing how people decorate their homes for the holiday season. Usually, she comes with family or friends but this year, she came alone.

The trail is the library's biggest fundraiser. Next year will be the 45th anniversary of the library, according to director Claudia Gross.

Tickets are $25 per person for the Holly Trail and $30 per vehicle for the Night of Lights.

"There's people on the trail that have been on it for 40 years," Gross said.

Gross said the trail is a "long-standing tradition" in Orwigsburg. She appreciates the community's support for the library.

In 2020, due to COVID-19, the trail changed to include how people could see the outside of homes adorned with lights, which continues this year. The extension of the event is called Night of Lights.

Debra and Edward Taylor own a home in Orwigsburg that they opened to the public for the first time this year. The house is 160 years old, with an addition built in 2006. The approximately 5,000-square foot house has Brazilian cherry hardwood floors.

Debra Taylor said it took her three weeks to decorate her home.

"I love Christmas; I love the holidays," she said.

Festive signs of the holiday are all around visitors. Snow globes, nutcrackers and a Christmas tree are among the invitations to enjoy the season.

A short drive away is a home in McKeansburg owned by Karen and Karl Geisler. Family ornaments from 1985 and onward decorate a Christmas tree. One room is decked out in Christmas-themed items year-round.

"Spectacular," is how Jennifer Berger, of Pottsville, described the McKeansburg home.

This is the 15th year that she has visited homes on the tour.

"It's for a good cause. It's also a fun day and puts you in the Christmas spirit," Berger said.

Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023