WEST PITTSTON — Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in style for the annual Santa Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony Dec. 2. Over 200 residents and surrounding areas attended.
The parade started promptly at 5 p.m. from Erie Street, traveling north on Wyoming Avenue, stopping at the town tree at the intersection of Delaware and Wyoming Avenues and Third Street.
The parade featured the Wyoming Area Band, the McCarthy Christmas Express Train sponsored by McCarthy Tire, fire trucks from neighboring towns and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
After a brief welcome by West Pittston Mayor Tom Blaskiewicz, the Wyoming Area Band played a holiday tune. Cookies and hot chocolate were provided and balloon artist TJ Belt was on hand to make dozens of balloon figures.
West Pittston resident and Parks and Recreation member Tom Bubul volunteered for the event.
“This is such a longstanding West Pittston tradition lighting the tree,” Bubul said.
After taking a brief hiatus, the parade was revived by West Pittston Tomorrow and eventually taken over by West Pittston Parks and Rec., according to Bubul.
“Since Parks and Rec. has taken over, it’s actually grown every year since,” Bubul added. “Ed Martin, who is chairman of Parks and Rec., has been a driving force about growing events in the town.”
Matt and Amanda Carmody, who live a short distance from the town tree, brought along their two children, Caroline, 21 months; and Joseph, 6 months.
“This certainly gets us into the Christmas spirit, but it’s also better to see your neighbors, folks around town, people you don’t see on a regular basis, to see the community come together; it’s really special,” Matt Carmody said. “To see what the mayor and council have done along with the police department to come out to organize this, it’s a great family event that makes it special to live in West Pittston.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus were busy listening to Christmas wishes and giving out gifts to many of the children present.
Six-year-old Ava Colarusso, of West Pittston, asked Santa for a special present this year.
“I asked him for an ant farm,” she said. “I want to see all the ants habitats on the back and you can see them on the back.”
“We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome and turnout,” West Pittston Council President Ellen Quinn said. “The tree looks fabulous and the mayor did a wonderful job (of decorating it) and everyone is having a great time.”
Quinn added her thanks for all who participated in the 2018 Santa Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.
