Every non-profit needs and appreciates its Sponsors and Volunteers. Little could be accomplished without them. See Lancaster is no different. As a non-profit organization with limited staff, we are totally dependent on our Sponsors and Volunteers to help carry out our events and projects. Such was the case for the past two weekends when our busiest season was upon us.

These past two weekends of December have been exciting and rewarding for See Lancaster. We were involved with three major events and all were successful only because an enormous amount of team work and community support helped us start the Christmas Season.

The Santa Express has become our Kick-Off Christmas Celebration thanks to the L&C Railway and all of their employees. With out them as our major sponsor, the six hundred plus adults and children would not have been able to enjoy their trip to Winterfest in Heath Springs and to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Town of Heath Springs worked hard to plan this new event, Winterfest, which was ready when the passengers of the Santa Express arrived at the depot. The festival was a great crowd pleaser with its arts and artisans demonstrating and allowing hands on opportunities. There was plenty of food and things to do and See Lancaster is hoping to make this an annual event that more people will enjoy from all around the area. But the important thing to remember is that none of this would have occurred if numerous volunteers had not been involved with the planning and execution of the plans. There are far too many to list and say thanks, but See Lancaster could not accomplish any thing with out such great Community Spirit.

Major sponsors helped off set some of the costs and See Lancaster appreciates the support of Founders Federal Credit Union, The City of Lancaster, Comporium, and the L&C Railway. Again, with out financial support See Lancaster would not be able to carry off such great promotional events. And yet there are a number of sponsors we often over look and those are the businesses that support us in other ways. The Lancaster News always adds a positive promotion of our events and we appreciate that. Founders offers their marketing staff to assist with our designs and promotions. The City and Town crews at each location step in when needed. Discounts are given when budgets run tight. The list goes on and on and the Community helpfulness is endless.

See Lancaster no sooner finished the opening event of the Santa Express and Winterfest when we were immediately involved with the Lancaster City parade the following weekend. Although it is sponsored by the City of Lancaster, See Lancaster coordinates it. The parade is a tremendous undertaking and this year was larger than usual. Organizing ninety three entries is not an easy task, but with much support and many volunteers the See Lancaster staff again felt success was achieved.

Our greatest appreciation must go to the City and their staff and employees for offering assistance where ever needed. Many humorous and "could be issues" were involved, but the patience and helpfulness of the police and volunteers kept things running smoothly. Although we as staff who had planned the staging felt over whelmed at times, we got many kudos for a good and smooth running parade. So many happy and excited children and youth made us know it was all worth it.

But again, the cooperation of the entries, parents, volunteers and our emergency forces made the event a great success. The staff of See Lancaster enjoys planning and working to make Lancaster a place to come and have fun and know that we are only successful because Lancaster County residents are willing to work to make it so.