Zelienople’s Miracle on Main Street radiates joy, hope
ZELIENOPLE — Hundreds of people flocked to the borough on an evening boasting below-freezing temperatures for what has become arguably the town’s most memorable event.
An ample amount of Christmas joy and good will filled the frigid air as the town came together to support several worthy causes at the eighth annual edition of Miracle on Main Street on Thursday evening, Dec. 5.
“It’s still an authentic small town,” said Zach Shidemantle, a lifelong Zelienople resident. “Even with the amount of people that are moving here, we’re still a close-knit town. Not too many places do this.”
The charity event is highlighted by the Holiday Light Up Parade, which now includes more than 30 floats. After the parade, children lined up for a chance to greet Santa Claus.
This year, the Harmony Fire District will be the main beneficiary. Last year, In Toto Community Resource Center received a check for $5,000.
Miracle on Main was founded by Donna Zeigler, who had a vision of bringing hope to children through the generosity of the community and its unique list of local businesses.
Volunteers from the Kids’ Weekend Backpack Program, which works to cut down food insecurity for elementary-aged children in the Butler Area School District, annually distribute hundreds of donated coats, hats and gloves to children in need.
“Miracle on Main is just such a wonderful civic community event for not just Zelienople, but all of Butler County,” said Jim Smith, a longtime volunteer with the Kids’ Weekend Backpack Program. “We always have a good turnout. It’s a great draw and a wonderful time to celebrate the season.”
Local businesses tie the event together by offering a range of children’s activities to attract families from across the county.
Dennis and Julie Detar, Zelienople residents and the owners of Spring & Main Café, were more than happy to host Mrs. Claus as she helped children decorate cookies before the parade.
“It’s wonderful to see all the kids come in and see the joy,” said Dennis Detar.
In addition to baking 650 cookies and supplying all of the toppings, Detar and his wife provided warm meals to all of the law enforcement personnel that were working during the event.
“This is our time to give back because the community supports us so well here,” he said. “We love having them here. It’s just a small token of our appreciation and love that we can provide for the community.”
Nearby at In Toto Community Resource Center, a balloon artist crafted colorful animals and Christmas-themed objects that elicited plenty of smiles from all who visited.
“I think everybody really wants community, and we’re always going to want that,” said Mary Limbacher, the founder and former executive director of In Toto, about what makes the event so special. “We all just want to have that connection to be at a place where everybody is sharing in this mutual happiness. It really does feel magical.”
