Coplay Borough and the Coplay Recreation and Welfare Association held a holiday tree lighting Dec. 5 at borough hall, 98 S. Fourth St. The well-attended event was a magical delight for youngsters and families.

For the second year in a row, nationally known magician and illusion artist Tom Yurasits opened the event and entertained the crowd. The attendees — both young and old — marveled at his illusions. A common statement by attendees was, “How did he do that?”

The climax of his performance was launching a dove through a small cannon with the assistance of a youth from the audience. Of course, the dove was not harmed, and the audience was amazed by the trick.

Yurasits has many talents and performs as a magician, escape artist and mentalist for family gatherings, corporate meetings, birthday shows and more. He has performed throughout the United States and beyond. His favorite destinations include Atlantic City, the Cayman Islands and Canada. Visit tomyurasitsmagic.com for more information or to book him for your next gathering.

The show ended with Santa leading families out to the large hallway to receive gifts and light refreshments. There, a half-dozen volunteer elves and Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra guided the attendees through the hall to receive their gift.

Attendees assembled with Santa, Yurasits and a lucky child named Madison, who was honored to flip the large switch to illuminate the holiday lights.

Santa took pictures with the children and their families, as holiday music played in the background.

Coplay Recreation and Welfare President Richard Hess and his team were delighted at the turnout for this annual event, despite the cold, windy weather.

Coplay Recreation and Welfare Association is seeking additional members. Call Hess at 610-844-4282 for information about this multifaceted group, which has provided numerous valuable events and services to Coplay residents for more than 60 years.