Bethlehem

An informal rally in support of the public display of Christmas and Hanukkah signs sprang up Wednesday evening at the Four Corners in Delmar.

Placards — some handwritten, some with professional touches — were held up in protest of the town of Bethlehem's decisions not to post a Merry Christmas sign at the intersection and to remove a Happy Hanukkah sign. Town officials say they do not want to violate any laws or allow highway distractions.

A story in Monday's Times Union spotlighted the debate, the news having an element of irony considering the town's name.

About 10 people, mostly adults, protested in the rain, drawing honks of support and shouts of "Merry Christmas!" from passing motorists.

Marcia Wendth, 83, of Bethlehem, who was among those at Kenwood and Delaware avenues, said the protest is not being conducted by any organized group, but just formed after a few phone calls were made.

— Lauren Stanforth