First Posted: 5/4/2013

The 42nd Annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival opened up yesterday under ideal conditions. The weather has been cooperating the entire weekend with a cloudless, aqua blue sky. The cherry blossom trees are in perfect peak conditions budding at just the right time.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Lou Ciampi, Sr., a West Pittston resident and founder of Independent Graphics Inc. Although reluctant at first to accept the offer of grand marshal, Lou is very glad he accepted.

“The weather is beautiful and the festival committee did a wonderful job in preparations,” said West Pittston Mayor Tony Denisco. “We have two great choices for Outstanding Community Citizen Award in John Janczewski and Lou Ciampi as Grand Marshal. I’ve known both men for many years working side-by-side with John on the fire department and going to grade school. I wish the Cherry Blossom Festival success and this should help the people come back (from the flood). I can’t remember the last time we’ve had such great weather, we are very fortunate.”

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The parade kicked off at high noon with West Pittston Little League teams present along with Little Miss Cherry Blossom contestants, town officials, area politicians, the Montage Mountain Car Club, the Salvation Army, the West Pittston Library, and what would a parade be without the fire trucks and ambulances from the borough and surrounding area communities.

There were performances by the Wyoming Area Drama Club reprising the play Seussical the Musical performed recently at the Secondary Center; the Emerald Isle Step Dance team; Perfect Harmony School of Music; the Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre; a West Pittston Idol contest and the day finished out with the rock band, 12 Letters.

Today the festival heats up with identical weather as yesterday with sunny skies and temps in the low 70s.

The activities begin at noon with Bravo “the great” Magic Man! At 1:30 p.m. will be Sing Along with Billy Frye, followed by Ashley Lamoreaux, the David Blight dancers, Beth Connor with Perfect Harmony School of Music, and Flaxy Morgan.