Get ready to celebrate.
You can ring out the old and in the new this New Year’s Eve in a variety of ways.
Downtown Lancaster will welcome 2015 with the traditional ascension of the Red Rose Dec. 31 at Binn’s Park.
But before the countdown, the crowd will be entertained by Philly band Swift Technique, beginning at 10 p.m.
Showcasing a delicious buffet of breakfast and lunch options, our brunch also features a special guest – The Easter Bunny will be greeting guests at the beginning of each seating! Oh yeah, there’s also musical entertainment by Tony Gairo!
Bring the kids to search for Just Born PEEPS® Chicks and enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny! It’s free!
Ages 3 and under: 1:00pm
Ages 4-7: 1:30pm
Ages 8 and older: 2:00pm
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lackawanna County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Saint Patrick’s parade in Scranton boasts 12,000 participants, including multiple bagpipe, high school and string bands. The parade is enhanced by many floats and large balloons. Many Irish groups and societies are also represented. It has been going on annually since 1962 and is organized by the St. Patrick’s Parade Association of Lackawanna County. The parade has received national attention as being one of the better St. Patrick’s parades. The parade route begins on Wyoming Ave in front of St. Peter’s Cathedral, proceeds to Lackawanna Ave. over Jefferson Ave. then down Spruce St to get to Washington Ave. where it passes the William J. Nealon Federal building and finally the reviewing stand.
The parade is preceded by the Parade Day mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Brian Kelly Memorial race.
Click here for the parade website: http://www.stpatparade.com/index.php
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Luzerne County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The city of will hold its 34th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 16. The parade route will begin at South Main and South streets and will travel along South Main to Public Square, around the F.M. Kirby Center and end at the intersection of North Main and Union streets.
All ages are welcome to enjoy the parade activities and performances throughout the day. Children are invited to Barnes & Noble College Bookstore for a St. Patrick’s Day story hour at noon. Just Plain Crazy Face Art will also be available at noon on Public Square with parade themed artwork for children and adults.
Read more: http://timesleader.com/news/local-news-news/1230827/W-B-St.-Patricks-Day-Parade-date-set
Sam Bernardini had the Bog pretty much to himself Wednesday night.
The Scranton was packed with New Year’s Eve revelers the night before, but Bernardini rang in 2014 at home.
“Amateurs go out on New Year’s Eve,” he said, one of four patrons at the bar. Few city watering holes were open, and those that were had far more barstools than customers, suggesting that a study published by Business Insider might have merit.
The online publication ranked Scranton the “Most Hungover City in America” in a list of 25 communities where citizens were likely to be nursing sore heads and queasy stomachs Wednesday morning.
Read more: http://citizensvoice.com/news/online-publication-scranton-is-nation-s-most-hungover-city-1.1610427
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lackawanna County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Scranton will roll out the red carpet to welcome the new year.
First Night Scranton will once again keep the city’s downtown abuzz on New Year’s Eve with live music, family-friendly activities and fireworks, and this time it will do so with Hollywood-style flair.
“It’s our 15th anniversary, so I thought, well, you know what? We’ve got to do something big,” said Paige Balitski, one of the event organizers. “What’s bigger than Hollywood? It’s fun. You can play off of movie stars and films.”
The different activities taking place throughout the night will touch on the Hollywood theme, with musicians set to perform movie themes and love songs and other activities drawing inspiration from films. Costumed characters from popular movies will greet guests, for instance, Ms. Baltiski said.
Counties constituting the Happy Valley Region of Pennsylvania (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
BELLEFONTE, PA — Dressed as Rudolph this weekend, Mike Hawbaker made his way through the train cars of the Santa Express.
During one of the 11 trips, Hawbaker approached a small child, who gave the costume-clad volunteer a small piece of paper. The child had hand drawn a little picture of the reindeer and wanted to give it to the red-nosed Christmas staple.
“That’s why we do this,” Hawbaker said, smiling as he looked at the drawing.
The annual event is a joint effort among the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority, the Nittany and Bald Eagle Railroad and the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society, train owner Jeff Pontius said. He also organizes similar events in Williamsport, Bloomsburg and Sunbury.
A 1947 topographic map of the Reading, Pennsylvania area. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The journey to tell a television Christmas story in poverty-stricken Reading began two summers ago in holiday-decorated Hope Lutheran Church on North Front Street.
A national TV audience, estimated at more than 1.4 million homes, observed the 2012 Christmas Eve broadcast of “One Christmas Story: People Rich in Spirit,” a production of Odyssey Networks, a New York-based multifaith media coalition.
It was a story designed to depict Reading’s hope and faith amid economic challenges. At the time, it sparked energy and excitement.
But, one year later, at Christmas 2013, many of the city’s social challenges remain unchanged.
Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article/20131222/NEWS/312229955/1052#.UrbPPPRDsxI
Tonight Pottstown “rocked out” with the holiday sounds of Twelve Twenty Four at the Sunnybrook Ballroom. If you have never heard of this group here is a synopsis in their own words:
“Established in 2002, 12/24 performs its Christmas music with a theatrical, rock edge and combines it with a narrated storyline to create a family friendly holiday show suitable for all ages. They are the first and foremost recreation of TSO and are making a name for themselves now with goals that aren’t stopping here.”
TSO stand for Trans-Siberian Orchestra if that acronym is unfamiliar to you. I had the pleasure of attending TSO’s holiday show last year at the Giant Center in Hershey, so I was interested in seeing how well Twelve Twenty Four took on the legendary Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Between the music and the light show, that’s a tall order.
The 22 member group did not disappoint! The large and enthusiastic crowd was very vocal in their appreciation of the stellar performance. Sunnybrook’s wonderful acoustics lend themselves very well to concerts. If you live anywhere near Pottstown, you should really take advantage of the concerts there. Tickets are very reasonably priced, the restaurant has excellent food and the parking is free and plentiful.
The group appears to be Luzerne County based, from what I could gather on their website, so they are not far away. They play many venues around Northeast Pennsylvania and beyond. This was their first trip to Pottstown. They complimented the crowd which leads me to think they might come back again 🙂 We can only hope!
In addition to covering TSO songs, they did some original material. They have just released their second CD, “Light in the Dark”. They also drifted away from the holidays for a few minutes and did an amazing version of “Barracuda” by Heart and “Hotel California” by the Eagles. We were also asked to take part in a sing-along of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Evidently, we did a good job based on the band’s comments. It was recorded so we might get put on their website.
The musicianship was first-rate. The instrumentalists and singers were superb. Co-founder Jason Santos is the principal composer and arranger for the group’s original material in addition to playing keyboards, guitar and singing. With a group this size, it is noteworthy to mention that everyone stood out in some way.
Here is a link to Twelve Twenty Four’s website: http://twelvetwentyfour.net/ There are music samples, videos and pictures on the website. In addition, you can order their CD’s or buy downloads.
Their Facebook fan page is: https://www.facebook.com/twelvetwentyfour
What a great way to celebrate Christmas! Thanks for coming to Pottstown!
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Twelve days have passed since a Lancaster Township couple were found dead in their home on Thanksgiving morning.
What killed Darryl Leroy Morton and Aida Judy Cora remains unknown, according to investigators.
They were a respected and well-liked couple in the community.
They had a turkey in the kitchen and appeared to be planning a holiday celebration.
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting York County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
YORK, PA (AP) — Caleb Linburg’s hobby lights up the neighborhood for the holidays.
Caleb, 15, is presenting his fifth annual “Linburg Lights” display, which features more than 30,000 Christmas bulbs flashing on and off to the beat of holiday songs.
The display can be seen on his home at 1195 Hambletonian Way in Manchester Township.
People can hear the music by tuning to the 87.9 FM radio station.
They also can use a “jukebox” feature on their smartphones to select which of the songs they want to hear, Caleb said.
To see a 2 1/2 minute video and read the rest of the article, click here: http://www.timesherald.com/general-news/20131206/york-area-teens-christmas-display-attracting-national-attention
Counties constituting the Happy Valley Region of Pennsylvania (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Step into the holiday wonderland of the 32nd Annual Bellefonte Victorian Christmas, but watch out for some of its characters.
They may be stepping around you.
Charles Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cratchet and the Fezziwigs will return to Bellefonte in all their festive sartorial splendor to stroll around and greet visitors during the Dec. 12-15 celebration.
They’re among the many attractions scheduled for the traditional holiday extravaganza organized by the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association. Carolers, arts and crafts vendors, concerts, horse-drawn carriage rides, gingerbread houses, visits with Santa and more await to put even the biggest Scrooge in a holiday mood.
Christmas Tree (1) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Please come and purchase your Christmas Tree in support of MOSAIC Community Land Trust Saturday and Sunday, December 7-8 2:00 PM-7:00 PM at the Community Garden at 423 Chestnut Street
We are offering a $5.00 discount for all orders placed prior to our tree sale. Please use the attached order form to purchase your tree by Friday, November 29.
If you cannot complete the form online, please email your selection to Laura Washington at wash5000@msn.com with your payment information and we will reserve your tree!
Or join us at the garden and purchase your tree! We will be at the garden December 7th and 8th from 2 to 7 PM, singing carols, sipping hot cocoa, and getting into the holiday spirit, so please stop by!
Hope to see you December 7th and 8th at the Garden! Thank you for your ongoing support of Community Gardens in our neighborhoods! Happy Holidays everyone!
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Northampton County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Bethlehem keeps working to earn its Christmas City nickname.
The city may have more holiday events than ever this year: Christkindlmarkt is open for its 21st year, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is holding holiday tours and carriage rides for its 20th year and Center City’s Christmas City Village is returning for its third year.
The continued addition of holiday attractions has only helped existing events, operators said. Christkindlmarkt, a German-style holiday marketplace put on by ArtsQuest, had two of its three best years following the debut of the Downtown Bethlehem Association-organized Christmas City Village in 2011, ArtsQuest spokesman Mark Demko said.
Christmas City Village — an open-air German-style market also known as Weihnachtsmarkt — is adding another five huts for a total of 35 this year, Downtown Business Association Manager Kara Johnson said. And Historic Bethlehem is already ahead of schedule on pre-sale tour and carriage ride tickets, according to LoriAnn Wukitsch, the organization’s vice president and managing director.
Read more: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf/2013/11/bethlehem_continues_to_boost_c.html
You have to wonder what Norman Rockwell’s interpretation of Thanksgiving would be today. His classic 1943 Thanksgiving painting,“Freedom from Want,” which shows Ma placing a beautifully browned turkey down for Pa to carve, family members eagerly leaning in over the dinner table and grinning at one another, doesn’t seem complete anymore.
There are no digital devices to be seen, the family roles might be a little outdated and, of course, there isn’t an inset panel showing a son or a daughter stocking shelves or working the checkout line at Best Buy or The Gap, both of which are open on Thanksgiving Day this year.
In competition for your holiday spending dollars, retailers have pushed what has been known as Black Friday well into the day before — that is, Thanksgiving Day. Some find it an affront to Thanksgiving traditions. For others, it threatens what have become Black Friday family traditions, too.
Becka Pankowski, 42, of Fountain, Colo., is quitting her long-held Black Friday tradition altogether, saying she’s opposed to the Thanksgiving openings.
Read more: http://www.timesherald.com/lifestyle/20131125/many-shoppers-say-no-to-buying-on-thanksgiving-day
Pottstown, PA– Revel in the spirit of the season at historic Pottsgrove Manor with the annual “Pottsgrove Manor by Candlelight” open-house on Sunday, December 8, 2013 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm.
The public is invited to take a self-guided tour of the elegant 1752 manor house where costumed interpreters will depict the colonial residents of Pottsgrove Manor. As visitors make their way through the house they will hear the strains of traditional harp music, see English country dancing, catch a whiff of the delicious smells in the kitchen as historical cook Deborah Peterson prepares authentic dishes at the open hearth, and enjoy the beauty of the mansion lit by candlelight and bedecked with greenery. Complimentary refreshments of hot spiced cider, colonial-style chocolate drink, and gingerbread cookies will be served at the end of the house tour.
After exploring the house, guests will want to visit Pottsgrove Manor’s museum shop for unique, historically-oriented gifts like locally-made redware pottery and ornaments, reproduction glassware, handcrafted candles and soaps, books, toys, games, and more.
Next door to the mansion in the Miller’s House, young visitors will be able to make free seasonal crafts to take home. Outside in the manor’s courtyard, visitors will be able to warm themselves by a bonfire (weather permitting), and enjoy historic carols sung by the Colonial Revelers singing group (performing from 2:00pm to 5:00pm).
A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this event. No reservations are needed. Visitors are asked to park at Memorial Park (75 West King Street); a shuttle will transport visitors to and from Pottsgrove Manor throughout the event. Handicapped parking is available in the museum’s parking lot. The Manor’s open house will also be featured as a stop on the Pottstown Historical House Tour that evening.
Can’t make it to the open house? Visitors can enjoy the spirit of the season at Pottsgrove Manor now through January 12, 2014 with a guided tour of the mansion, decorated for the holidays. Tours are offered during regular museum hours, and the museum shop will also be open for holiday shopping. Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Tours are given on the hour. The last tour of the day begins as 3:00pm. Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling0 610-326-4014. The museum is closed Mondays, as well as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by MontgomeryCounty under the direction of the Parks, Trails, & Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department. For more information, please call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.
One Mellon Center in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Possible showers and traffic delays aside, the 53rd annual Light Up Night events start at noon, with the tree lighting at the City-County Building. The PPG Plaza tree will be lit at 6 p.m., and 45 minutes later, Macy’s festive windows will be unveiled.
The BNY Mellon Fireworks Finale will go off at 9:38 p.m., as Zambelli Internationale fireworks will launch from the Warhol Bridge, synchronized to a live broadcast on 3WS (94.5 FM).
Expect street and sidewalk closures and transit detours throughout Downtown Pittsburgh today.
The logo of the United States National Weather Service. The source page states that is not an “official” version but it looks very close to the version used on NWS’s website. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Forecasters are warning of a potential nor’easter that threatens to cause havoc for Thanksgiving travelers.
The National Weather Service says a nor’easter is possible from late Tuesday through Thanksgiving day, with stormy weather most likely to hit in the mid-Atlantic from early Wednesday through early Thursday.
The storm could bring strong winds and heavy rain to much of region, with snow possible, especially in higher-elevation areas in eastern Pennsylvania and northwest New Jersey.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Forecasters_Noreaster_could_disrupt_Thanksgiving_travel.html#JLSDLitI5OjS8lDx.99
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lackawanna County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Floats, balloons, marching bands and even a horse-drawn carriage will lead Santa Claus into Scranton this weekend as the Santa Parade once again spreads holiday cheer throughout the city.
Organizers wanted to make the parade bigger and better this year, and it certainly has grown. Stepping off Saturday at 9 a.m., the 21st annual parade will boast at least 20 floats, double the number it typically has. More participants will make the parade more enjoyable, said Mike Gallacher, vice president of finance for Santa Parade Inc.
“The parade’s always great because there’s always great entertainment, but we’re going to have more variety this year,” he said.
This is the first year Santa Parade Inc. organized the parade rather than the Scranton Jaycees, the planner for many years, after members of the Jaycees decided to spin off the parade off into its own group. Jaycees members “age out” of the group when they turn 41, and a lot of people – Mr. Gallacher included – were nearing that milestone and did not want to see the parade dissipate, he said.
Read more: http://thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/santa-parade-slated-for-saturday-1.1588844
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