Toy Truck Parade to kick off Christmas in Pittston Nov. 30

PITTSTON – The Downtown Pittston Partnership and the City of Pittston will hold the annual Toy Truck Parade at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30. The parade will step off from the former Cooper’s Restaurant lot and conclude at the Tomato Festival lower lot.

Any car or truck can register to participate in the Toy Truck Parade but all vehicles must be adorned with Christmas decorations and lights, if possible. Keep in mind the parade will be starting after sunset. Each participant is asked to provide an unwrapped toy to donate.

Donated toys will go to Angels Like Addison which, will in turn, donate the toys to the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger Hospital, Danville in memory of Addison Marie Kolbeck.

Addison Marie, the daughter of Reba and Stephen “Turk” Kolbeck, was stillborn on Sept. 13, 2018. Soon after, the Kolbecks created Angels Like Addison to help families who have lost a child to stillbirth.

The Downtown Pittston Partnership has selected Angels Like Addison to help bring attention to families of stillbirth and miscarriage.

Santa Claus will arrive at the Tomato Festival lower lot on Main Street before visiting with children to share their Christmas wishes and have photos taken. Pittston Area Key Club will assist Santa.

New this year, Pittston Downtown Partnership has chosen a Christmas Ambassador for the first time. Mikey Ash, 14, will light the city’s official Christmas tree.

According to Mary Kroptavich, City of Pittston’s Main Street coordinator, the first 300 children visiting with Santa Claus will receive a gift bag.

“Area businesses will be open and participating in Small Business Saturday starting at 10 a.m.,” Kroptavich added. “All will be open throughout the evening.”

Meals on Wheels will offer popcorn, hot chocolate and cookies. The organization requests that everyone donate a can of fruit.

The Knights of Columbus will conduct “decorate your own gingerbread cookie” from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in front of the Knights building.

Merle Norman will apply a nail shimmer for the discounted price of $5.

Callahan’s will sell a soup, chili and sandwiches, according to Kroptavich.

Other downtown businesses will offer Christmas and Small Business Saturday specials.

“It’s going to be a fun night and a night to remember,” Kroptavich said. “Unfortunately, we will not be having horse and carriage rides this year.”

Jill Bucta, left, of from Plains, brought her daughters Riley, 9, center, and Dylan, 4, to the 2018 Christmas in Pittston but not before they stopped for hot chocolate provided by the Pittston Knights of Columbus.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_Christmas-in-Pittston-1.jpgJill Bucta, left, of from Plains, brought her daughters Riley, 9, center, and Dylan, 4, to the 2018 Christmas in Pittston but not before they stopped for hot chocolate provided by the Pittston Knights of Columbus. Sunday Dispatch file photo

Christmas in Pittston 2018 featured a nighttime motor parade with vehicles decorated with Christmas directions started at Cooper’s Seafood on Kennedy Blvd. to Main Street ending just past the Tomato Festival lot.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_Christmas-in-Pittston-3.jpgChristmas in Pittston 2018 featured a nighttime motor parade with vehicles decorated with Christmas directions started at Cooper’s Seafood on Kennedy Blvd. to Main Street ending just past the Tomato Festival lot. Sunday Dispatch file photo

Six-year-old Natalie Guitson, of Pittston, had a chance to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas during the 2018 Christmas in Pittston event.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_Christmas-in-Pittston-4.jpgSix-year-old Natalie Guitson, of Pittston, had a chance to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas during the 2018 Christmas in Pittston event. Sunday Dispatch file photo