Some 30,000 bright lights were turned on Friday night in the heart of Tamaqua. But hearts of those in attendance were heavy.

The colorful outdoor kickoff to Tamaqua’s annual Spirit of Christmas Festival memorialized an event founder.

Linda Yulanavage, former executive director, Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, passed in March.

She not only had her hand in most community projects for many decades, but even served as Mrs. Santa Claus.

“I think she did it for a good 30 years or even longer,” said son Eric Yulanavage.

Pat Freeh-Stefanek of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership was a friend and business associate.

She told the 100 who gathered that Yulanavage was truly special, citing her involvement with Downtown Tamaqua Incorporated, Tamaqua Beautification Committee, Tamaqua Historical Society, Tamaqua Rotary, Tamaqua SOS and historic facade-oriented HARC Board.

“Linda was everywhere and Tamaqua was always better because of her. She truly embodied the Spirit of Christmas. She stepped up and did whatever it took to keep Tamaqua in the limelight,” said Freeh-Stefanek.

In an especially moving moment, master of ceremonies Anthony Odorizzi, Esquire, summed up what Yulanavage meant to her town.

“She was not just a volunteer, she was one of the greats.”

Odorizzi also pointed out that this year marks the thirtieth Christmas festival and Yulanavage was part of its inception.

To memorialize her, the committee unveiled a special purple Christmas tree next to the community tree at Depot Square Park. In reality, the purple tree has been illuminated since Black Friday in order to pique curiosity and generate additional interest in the festival kickoff.

“It was done in purple because people will remember that Linda used to dye her hair purple,” said Freeh-Stefanek.

The event also included remarks by cochairmen Dan Odorizzi and Judy Hoppes.

Hoppes also introduced Little Miss Spirit of Christmas Nora Hadesty, who offered gratitude.

“I want to thank everyone who voted for me,” said Hadesty.

Putting the evening into perspective, the Rev. Sharon Stokes, community advocate, said the lighting of holiday bulbs stands for so much more than what is seen on the surface. It’s not just about colored lights, she said.

“The bulbs represent good deeds. When we do something good for someone else, even something small, it brightens their world.”

Entertainment was provided by 25 musicians of the Cressona Band, playing popular holiday carols on the concourse of the adjacent train station.

While Friday’s outdoor lighting is generally considered the festival launch, the annual celebration actually began Thursday night with an indoor Tamaqua Mistletoe Reception held at Gimbel’s restaurant.