The holiday tradition known as “Christmas on the Mountain” has just begun its 28th year running. Located at Hillside Playground on North 14th street in Reading, PA, the winter wonderland had set up shop again for a bigger than ever display. The display is free to enter, as compared to other holiday displays require a fee to enter. Tim Profit, General Manager of Savage 61 and leader of the efforts for the display, helped save the event in 2015 and has upped the game for the 2018 season.
There are now over 1 million lights, inflatables, and other Christmas decorations part of the tradition. There is also a light show based on classic and new holiday music for the whole family to enjoy. The display has a replica of Santa’s Workshop as well as a new “Frozen on the Mountain” portion of the display. These new additions will build upon the already present traditions that the “Christmas on the Mountain” hold dear to may locals hearts.
Tim Profit, a Reading High School 1999 graduate, said that there are some that may think that the new additions could be a little bit “over the top” but he said, “That’s just what we were going for”. He wanted to compete with other paid holiday displays around the area since they are one of the only free entry large displays in the area.
The display could not be what it is today without the volunteer help especially from the Reading High School Marine Corps JROTC, who provide help with setting up and maintaining the holiday tradition throughout the season. Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is also a big contributor to the success of the event, as well as other local business, Axcess Industries. They provide essential funding and manpower to keep the “Christmas on the Mountain” a holiday event for locals to look forward to.