The eighth annual Coplay Borough Christmas party was held Dec. 6 at the pavilion at American Club of Coplay, 330 Cherry St. In addition to a holiday celebration, attendees honored the life and legacy of the former mayor, the late Steve Burker.

As mayor, Burker was a solid Coplay cheerleader, working to grow enthusiasm from borough residents. He promoted “staycations” by explaining all the things a resident can do in Coplay when on vacation.

Working with a local state representative and a state senator, Burker assisted with garnering grant funding to benefit the borough. Burker pressed tirelessly to have new lights installed at Samuel Balliet Stadium. That dream of his came to fruition this past fall with assistance from state Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd.

Burker was a leader of the team behind the successful Coplay Community Days festival that raised thousands of dollars to benefit the borough. He was particularly proud of working with his team to develop the Wednesday evening Coplay summer mini-concert series at the borough’s civic square.

Carol Burker, family members, friends and former constituents of Burker were on hand at the Christmas party to celebrate and honor his memory.

The pavilion doors opened 5 p.m., and the kitchen was open. Delicious food was provided by Old School Station Sandwich Company, located in Allentown. Visit oldschoolsandwichcompany.com for more information and to view their menu.

Deejay Freddy Frederick Jr. supplied the music energy that set the stage for a rocking holiday celebration. A former deejay himself, Burker provided deejay services at many events in Coplay.

Frederick was followed by the popular local band Stages of Changes. Its 1980s and 90s songs had the attendees on the dance floor throughout the evening.

The sense of community was evident as attendees socialized, ate, drank and danced the night away in the holiday spirit as they honored and remembered a community-spirited elected official.