EAST WATERFORD — As Judy Mummah speaks about the origins of An East Waterford Christmas, she reveals there weren’t any large planning sessions or historic summits between the natives around town.

“It all just came together by what we call a ‘Happy Accident,'” Mummau quipped. “I was doing a painting party at Lovetwo Eat Farm, there was a craft show at the East Waterford Fire Hall, tours were going on at the American House and bingo for kids was happening at the Tuscarora Grange. And, it’s just grown from there.”

Organically might be the best word to describe the event’s growth to date. And those involved just go with the fervor, celebrating the town’s heritage all the while.

Four years later, An East Waterford Christmas has become this community-wide event that the Juniata River Valley eagerly awaits. There’s truly a whole weekend of fun that awaits.

On Friday, the festivities start at 4 p.m., with food trucks on Water Street featuring Que by Du, Olivia’s Fresh Cut Fries and Huffy’s Pizza and Pretzels. Water Street will be closed to traffic from 4 to 6 p.m. so patrons can walk safely.

The American House will be open during that time for those who wish to warm up and take a tour of the first floor of the iconic historic building. The Reeses created wooden gift boxes that lined the main street and spotlighted this year’s theme. Wood was donated by Donald and Malia Shoop.

The tree lighting ceremony, made possible by the Lack-Tuscarora EMS, starts at 6 p.m. The tree was donated by Laura Walker. The ceremony will be led by Pastor Jody Rowles and Tyler Hutchinson, with special music by Brian and Jayde Worley, and a candlelight hymn sing.

Saturday boasts an assortment of activities for both young and old with an outdoor train display, craft shows and food at the Lack-Tuscarora EMS and firehouse buildings, church bazaars, paint classes and a petting zoo with locally made goodies at Lovetwo Eat Farm Store. Passports are also available for pickup at the East Waterford General Store for a chance to win prizes.

“We always have an excellent amount of well-crafted vendors,” Mummau said. “The local vendors have a wide variety of things that they have made or assembled. You can do all of your Christmas shopping in one town and support local businesses at the same time. There’s soaps, candles, jewelry, decorations, memorabilia, toys and games.”

There’s also plenty of free stuff for the kids, including crafts for kids at East Waterford Presbyterian Church; Santa’s Workshop at the Park; seeing the animals at Lovetwo Eat Farm; and kids Christmas bingo at the Tuscarora Grange, with free hot dogs, treats and lots of prizes.

There’s also fun for everyone, with a make and take with Painting Parties by Judy at the Faith in Christ Church; free photo both with Christian Retreat Center; and Christmas story program and Giving Tree at Faith in Christ Church.

Make certain you grab a map, too, as the entire town of East Waterford is open for shopping, crafts, bingo, food and fun from breakfast, starting at 7 a.m., to a Live Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m.

The live nativity and activities are hosted by the South Juniata Baptist Church at the Carnival Grounds. There will be animals, crafts for the kids, food, warm drinks, a bonfire and caroling.

Santa’s workshop will be held at the carnival grounds, where craft tables will be set up for the kids, and Santa will be there for photos and treats from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lack-Tuscarora EMS will sell barbecue chicken for pickup, starting at 11 a.m. and continuing until it’s sold out. A meal includes a half chicken, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, applesauce and roll, or just a half chicken can be purchased. Pre-orders are encouraged because last year’s supply sold out in 45 minutes. To pre-order, call the station at (717) 734-3959.

On Sunday, the final day of An East Waterford Christmas starts off with Jeremy Goodling performing a Christmas Concert at Faith in Christ Community Church at 9 a.m.

Later that day, a Christmas door swag workshop will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. at Lovetwo Eat Farm Store and wine and spirits bingo at 3 p.m. at the East Waterford Fire Hall. Doors open lunch at 1 p.m.