LOWER POTTSGROVE PA – Volunteer and junior firefighters, fire police officers, and auxiliary members of the Ringing Hill Fire Company have worked since mid-August for the company’s new holiday presentation, a Christmas light show titled “Celebrate at Applegate.” The huge animated display opened Saturday (Nov. 26, 2022) on its grounds at 815 White Pine Ln., and runs through Jan. 8. (2023; Sunday).
Its shows start at dusk and run continuously Sundays through Thursdays until 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m. Visitors can watch and hear the display from the convenience and warmth of their cars. Each show lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and Christmas songs synced to the lights can be heard on car radios tuned to 89.9 FM.
The shows are free, but donations to the fire company are appreciated. Contributions will be used to buy equipment specifically tailored to meet the dimensions of each firefighter. The list includes a helmet, coat, pants, boots, self-contained breathing apparatus and mask, portable radio and charger, gloves, and a flashlight.
“Celebrate at Applegate” was created by local resident Greg Sorg, who previously held the display at his home on Applegate Lane. It grew in popularity over the years, but only 3 or 4 cars at a time could fit to watch the show and lines would form across the neighborhood. To accommodate the increasing volume, Sorg approached Ringing Hill about moving the light show to the station.
Volunteers got to work planning. Sorg donated all his displays to Ringing Hill, which can comfortably accommodate 10-to-15 cars in front-row showings. During the show, families will see classic holiday imagery: snowflakes, Christmas trees, reindeer, snowmen, candy canes, ornaments, and even singing light bulbs.
Ringing Hill invested in new images, too. Volunteers hand-cut holes for individually color-changeable lights and inserted them into each image. Staked and weighted wooden supports keep them stable on a roof or ground level. Then they completed all the necessary wiring. The display will be easier to set up next year, company President Bud Lightcap said, but its volunteers also are interested in growing and adding to it annually.
Fire company members also hope “Celebrate at Applegate” will attract new volunteers. “The more people who see the display, the more exposure Ringing Hill will get,” said Lightcap. “Maybe they’ll decide to join the fire company and help us out.” No prior experience is necessary to join, and although training and gear are provided not all tasks involve firefighting.
Station and fire apparatus photo provided by Ringing Hill
Holiday lights photo superimposed by The Post
