Pottstown's holiday weekends stsrt off Black Friday with the arrival of Santa.

As part of the PDIDA Holiday Spectacular, starting at 6 p.m. this Friday children can get their pictures taken with Santa Claus in Smith Family Plaza for $6, enjoy roasted chestnuts and apple cider, and families can take carriage rides for $5.

There will also be free live musical entertainment and free gingerbread cookie decorating.

The event ends at 9, but families have the opportunity to see Santa again Dec. 4, 11 and 18.

Pottstown's holiday cheer will get a boost from PDIDA, the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority, when the 2009 Holiday Spectacular begins on Nov. 27. The Holiday Spectacular is held every Friday between Thanksgiving and Christmas and features family entertainment downtown as a way to get people into the borough and visiting its businesses.

The Spectacular runs from 6-9 p.m. with the Santa House, featuring a chance for children to visit with Santa and give him their wish lists, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa cost $6 this year.

There are also horse and carriage rides for $5, along with roasted chestnuts and apple cider.

There will also be free gingerbread cookie decorating for children under age 12.

PDIDA is always looking for volunteers to help out with downtown events. If you are interested, call 610-323-5400 or e-mail mainstreetmanager@
downtownpottstown.org