Lansford lit up with the celebration of Christmas spirit and a monumental birthday in Kennedy Park this weekend, officially launching the holiday season.

The gathering wrapped up Small Business Saturday, which many Lansford businesses took part in, and kick-started the Christmas cheer with a winter wonderland.

Lansford Alive’s events committee organized the Christmas in the Park event, featuring holiday music from the Panther Valley band, seasonal treats, and of course, the lighting of the trees. Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with Jingles the Elf, made appearances as well.

This year’s special guest, resident Agnes Mikulsky, was also celebrating her 100th birthday. After Mikulsky flipped the switch to light up the park, the crowd honored her by singing “Happy Birthday.”

“Oh, they’re so beautiful,” Mikulsky said after she illuminated the trees. “Merry Christmas, everyone!”

Along with Lansford Alive committee members like Bob Dobosh, borough workers from Lansford and Summit Hill helped to put up the lights, decorating numerous trees throughout the park.

“I loved it, especially to honor a woman for her milestone birthday, it was so exciting. This was a very important thing for the community. It says that we care. The Lansford events committee, we do everything for our community,” Lansford Alive council member Marie Ondrus said.

Mikulsky, standing next to the main Christmas tree in the park, was all smiles as she chatted with friends and family, musing on the community celebration and her big birthday.

And when it comes to what has kept her going through the years? According to Mikulsky, it’s much simpler than you think.

“I don’t know the secret,” she said, contemplating for a bit before smiling and responding. “Hard work, and the love of a good man.”