Fall is in the air … OK, maybe not this week with summer-like temperatures, but it’s definitely coming for sure.
Driving in the Poconos last weekend, I was amazed how the leaves seem to be at peak colors — well, most of them anyway.
I thought maybe it was a bit early for them because I seem to recall it’s in mid-October before we hit peak colors in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
It’s safe to say most of the Wyoming Valley is still pretty green, and local meteorologists seem to theorize it’s because we’ve been having unseasonal warm weather — in particular, warm nights.
I always look forward to having an Indian summer, which occurs in late autumn, so it’s safe to say this current weather can’t be Indian summer. I hope we will still see a bit of a warm-up late autumn before those cold, cold temperatures arrive for January and February.
Now that we’re in October, Halloween decorations are popping up all over neighborhoods in and around Greater Pittston.
One of the meccas for Halloween is, ever popular to hundreds of trick-or-treat ghouls and ghosts, the 200 and 300 blocks of Delaware Avenue, West Pittston, which is really over the top with decorations.
It’s amazing how many children, parents and guardians travel to Delaware Avenue.
I’ve covered Halloween there several times over the years, and when I get names and locations of residents, it surprises me the distances traveled to witness the street.
I grew up on that street and it wasn’t like it is now, back then. A few of the residents started to go all out, and the next thing you knew, the idea was catching on from home-to-home.
It’s almost like a competition between neighbors, but a friendly one, of course. The winners of the contest are the children. They get to see the most amazing displays for Halloween while getting tons and tons of candy.
It never fails that many of the homeowners end up falling short of candy because of the popularity of the holiday on Delaware Avenue.
There’s no question, every town has their own “hot spot” of Halloween activity, but if you can get a chance, hit the Delaware Avenue Halloween extravaganza.
This year, the City of Pittston will be holding Haunt on the Hill for a second year in a row for Halloween.
Last year, due to the pandemic, Trick or Treat Main St. was moved to Pittston Area High School as a drive-thru event.
The event was highly successful last year, and everyone stayed safe in his or her car as they pulled up behind the school at the student bus drop-off.
The event will be conducted as last year, not because of the pandemic, but because there is some Main Street, Pittston, construction being conducted and the city wants to keep everyone safe. It’s great to know that Pittston has a back up in the future if needed by going to Pittston Area.
You can read details about the Haunt on the Hill in this week’s edition.
Not to jump over Halloween, but the City of Pittston is gearing up for Christmas as well. Planning for a one-day event is very involved. It’s almost like putting plans together for the four-day Tomato Festival but only make it a one-day event.
The big day to mark on your calendar is Saturday, Dec. 4. As a matter of fact, I’d circle it now so you don’t forget.
There will be an entire day of activity in the city sponsored by the Downtown Pittston Partnership.
For the first time ever, Pittston is bringing onboard a Shop with a Cop event lead by Pittston Police Chief Neil Murphy.
Shop with a Cop is designed for eligible families who have been faced with a life challenge such as loss of job, homelessness, military deployment, economic shortcomings or other hardships. It’s a great concept that will help many families in need. The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon.
From noon into the evening, La Festa Natale Pittston will take place, featuring a marketplace with over 60 vendors, trolley rides, toy truck parade and the annual City of Pittston tree-lighting ceremony lit by an appointed Christmas Ambassador yet to be named.
Classical Woodwind Quintet will be playing Christmas carols, and of course everyone will be waiting for Santa’s arrival.
Discounts and promotions will be given by participating businesses.
After speaking to Mary Kroptavich, Pittston City Main Street manager, I can understand her excitement for Dec. 4. When the day arrives, it will all seem seamless and it will be thanks to Kroptavich, city officials, volunteers and the vendors themselves.
With that said, it’s huge undertaking, and Mary said they are always looking for sponsorship help. After all, these events do cost a lot of money. A major underwriter or two would be beneficial as well.
There will me more details to come in next week’s edition of the Sunday Dispatch.
With all this talk of Halloween and Christmas, it is so easy to forget about my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving.
To me, Thanksgiving is a great holiday with not a lot of fanfare and just being surrounded by family. The worse part about getting on in age is the family dwindles away and you have to rely on great memories of years gone by.
Thank you for all the great memories, Mom, and Happy Birthday (10/12/1927–4/2/2016).
Quote of the week
“Life becomes easier when you learn to accept the apology you never got.” – R. Brault
Thought of the week
“Nothing lasts forever but at least we got these memories.” – J. Cole
Bumper stick
“Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.” – Robert H. Schiuller
