PITTSTON – Santa Claus will be taking a break from his summer vacation to help his friends at the Greater Pittston Santa Squad (GPSS) celebrate Christmas in July on Sunday, July 9, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Susquehanna Brewing Co., Pittston.
According to GPSS founder and president, Anthony Marranca, patrons will pay $30 that includes two beers/drinks and a super buffet donated by over 25 local restaurants. For those 21-years-old and younger, admission is $20.
Ticket purchase in advance is recommended but not necessary, but Marranca warns admission may be capped.
“Judging off last year, people were calling it the party of the summer,” Marranca said. “So we’re happy to do that again. We have food from local restaurants that include roast beef, pork tenderloin, and more. The food line up is not your typical line up of chicken bites, we’re proud of what our food donors are bringing to the table.”
Special guests The Mere Mortals will reunite for just the second time in 20 years to perform at the event. Bugeye McGuire will be the opening act and sitting in with Bugeye is local legend Carl Belcastro as well as Alan Kiesinger and Ray McGarry.
Bugeye McGuire opens the show at 1 p.m. followed by The Mere Mortals at 3 p.m.
A Yeti cooler full of cheer with up to 40 bottles of liquor will be raffled off as well as 50/50 tickets and door prizes. According to Marranca, the Yeti cooler is valued at $375.
Make checks payable to the Greater Pittston Santa Squad and mail to P.O. Box 1209, Pittston, PA 19640. The GPSS will take cash, checks or Venmo. Go to GPSS Facebook page for the Venmo QR code.
For further information, contact Marranca at 570-299-0086 or Gary Worosilla at 570-498-5546.
All proceeds from Christmas in July will benefit children with new toys and clothing for the upcoming Christmas season.
Marranca said to look out for the Second Annual GPSS Golf Tournament at Wilkes-Barre Municipal Golf Course on Sept. 9. A foursome is $400 that would include dinner, drink carts with complimentary beer and soda, food at the 9th hole, prizes for longest drive, and more.
Christmas in July and the golf tournament are the GPSS’ only two fundraisers for the year.
