It's been 21 years since a group of concerned Tamaqua residents created the Tamaqua 2004 Partnership. It was 1994 and the group had a 10-year plan.

Over the years, many changes have been made in Tamaqua, including changing the name of the initiative to the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership.One thing that hasn't changed, much, is the annual Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas festival, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.This year's event is scheduled for the first weekend in December.The fun begins at 6 p.m. Friday with a parade to mark the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Parade will begin at the Tamaqua Borough Garage, in the area of the East Broad Street railroad tracks. It will then head west on Broad Street, with a stop at Depot Square Park, where Santa will flip the switch to illuminate the thousands of lights placed around the park. Revelers will then go to the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St., where Mr. and Mrs. Claus will hold a meet and greet session.Also at the art center on Friday, voting will begin for the tree decorating contest. There will also be an Artisan Gallery Candle Light Shopping Experience and a presentation of the musical "The Rented Christmas," performed by the Tamaqua Area Community Theatre at 7 p.m.SaturdayThe day begins with Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission at the Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St., beginning at 9 a.m. Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 570-668-1880.From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tink's Antiques on Railroad Street will host an open house.A Holiday Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tamaqua Elementary School.The art center will again host the tree voting, Artisan Gallery, two productions of the Rented Christmas (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and offer numerous hands-on demonstrations, kids' crafts and tours.Saturday is also the day for the cookie judging contest.SundayTink's Antiques will extend its open house from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the art center will continue with its demonstrations and tours.Susan Featro will present a concert at 2:30 p.m. at the art center.The festival will end with the lighting of the community Christmas tree, at 6 p.m. at Depot Square Park. Music will be provided by the Tamaqua High School Jazz Chorale and the winners of the tree decorating and cookie contests will be announced.Cookies and hot chocolate will be served at the Tamaqua Ambulance Garage at the conclusion of the tree lighting ceremony.