WEST PITTSTON — Seven-year old Vivian Sigman stood along Wyoming Avenue waiting for the annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting to begin so she could sit with Santa to give him her Christmas list.
Over 300 West Pittstonians, along with residents from surrounding towns took in the fourth annual parade and tree lighting sponsored by the West Pittston Parks and Recreation Board and West Pittston Tomorrow.
The parade began at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Wyoming and Erie Avenues and marched north on Wyoming Avenue, stopping at the triangle next to the PNC Bank were the tree lighting ceremony took place.
Marching in the parade were the Wyoming Area band and cheerleaders, a Christmas train sponsored by McCarthy Tire, the West Pittston Fire Dept. and, of course, Santa Claus.
The event sponsors supplied the crowd with cookies and hot chocolate, delighting everyone in the crisp 38-degree air.
Bob Lussi provided Christmas music, along with a light show that included a laser show of Santa’s likeness reflecting off the town Christmas tree.
Mayor Tom Blaskiewicz provided the lights for the tree aided by a bucket truck from Kurharchik Construction.
“I think this is wonderful for the town and West Pittston Tomorrow helped bring this back about four years ago and each year we’ve had our attendance grow and last year we had about 300 people come out,” said West Pittston councilwoman Ellen Quinn, president of West Pittston Parks and Rec. “As you can see tonight, it’s a great crowd and people are continuing to come.”
Santa and his helper set up a chair on the corner of Delaware Avenue and Third Street where he sat with children and gave out gifts.
“I asked for MC-squared doll things,” Vivian Sigman said. She went on to say her favorite thing were the cookies.
“I think it gets bigger every year and we get to see our friends and family in the community and it’s a way we get to keep in touch with them,” Maureen Sigman said. “It’s a great thing they do here in West Pittston.”
What did Vivian think about the parade? “It’s AWESOME.”
