WEST PITTSON — The 48th annual West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival got underway Saturday when the event parade stepped off at noon.
The parade began on Exeter Avenue near the former Cenera’s Auto Parts, traveled east to Wyoming Avenue, south to Philadelphia Avenue and east to Susquehanna Avenue before ending. This year, the cherry blossoms hung on for opening day, even though inclement weather threatened the festival for most of the week.
Rain is no stranger to the annual party celebrating the cherry trees that line Susquehanna but organizers take it all in stride. Saturday looked threatening at times, but the sun mixed with clouds for most of the afternoon.
Opening ceremonies began at 1 p.m. with festival committee president Lori DeAngelo thanking all who made the 2019 event possible.
“It’s been a great turnout and we have a full tent of vendors, about 50 or so and a lot of new ones,” DeAngelo said. “We have a lot of crafters this year and the food is selling well and the parade was amped up with more things in it. Even though we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, we’re going to live in the moment.”
Pete Sidari, the 2019 Grand Marshal, thanked all those who have supported his family and Dr. Jen’s Hope, a foundation named after his daughter who passed away in 2013. To date, the foundation has donated over $500,000 back to the community.
Mayor Tom Blaskiewicz made a special presentation to the West Pittston Women’s Club which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Congressman Matt Cartwright also sent along a proclamation, noting the milestone.
The first round of entertainment customarily is the Little Miss Cherry Blossom Contest where six girls took part.
This year’s winner is Abigail Hribal, an 8-year-old who danced as her talent.
Music provided by Joe Nardone’s Rockology School of Music and Friendly FYRE filled the afternoon air. A special performance by the Wyoming Area Drama Club included acts from “The Little Mermaid.”
The festival continues Sunday with an entertainment lineup that includes Perfect Harmony School of Music with Beth Connor, Joe Nardone’s Rockology School of Music Greater Pittston’s Flaxy Morgan and closing out the day.
