TimesLeader.com

November 14, 2008
Merriment opens holiday season

Stories By MIKE McGINLEY

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McCarthy Tire & Automotive was the last business showcased in Wilkes-Barre’s Christmas parade last year. The company built a scene from Santa’s workshop on top of a flatbed truck, and Santa Claus waved to the hundreds of people gathered along Main Street and Public Square.

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mmcginley@timesleader.com

Christmas may be more than a month away, but Santa Claus is already planning stops in Northeastern Pennsylvania, as soon as next weekend.

The beloved jolly old elf will ride through downtown Wilkes-Barre and Scranton with his familiar red suit and bushy white beard on Nov. 22. First stop is Scranton, where the holiday parade will take place at 9 a.m. Wilkes-Barre’s parade begins later the same day, at 3:15 p.m.

Wilkes-Barre City officials are hoping for a turnout similar to last year’s. Hundreds lined the streets and supported area businesses thanks to a full day of activities planned by the city and several sponsors.

The events lineup will be similar to the 2007 parade day. Area children can have cookies and milk with Mrs. Claus at Barnes & Noble Wilkes-King’s Bookstore, write letters to Santa with the staff from ArtsYOUniverse and watch “The Polar Express” at Movies 14 (which is offering free admission to the 12:15 p.m. show with the donation of an unwrapped toy for needy children). Later, at 6:30 p.m., toy donors can see “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” for free at the downtown theater. One toy will admit a family of four.

Parade visitors also can participate in a community mural-drawing project on Public Square, courtesy of the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Association.

The afternoon parade will begin on South Main Street and end on North Main.

City administrative coordinator Bridget Giunta said a variety of floats from multiple businesses will travel the route this year.

“It’s very important to have the business support for the Christmas parade and all other city events,” she said. “That just builds on the momentum that is existing in downtown Wilkes-Barre.”

But Nov. 22 is much more than just parade day, Giunta said. The downtown will bustle with activity beginning at 10 a.m.

After the success of last year’s day, she said businesses were eager to get involved once again.

“We are always working to expand the events and expand our base of activities and do as much as we can for families at no cost to them,” she said.

Businesses can participate by joining the parade or offering activities at their locations, she said.

Last year, McCarthy Tire ended the parade with a flatbed truck showcasing a Santa’s workshop scene on the back, complete with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Santa’s helpers hard at work.

The company plans to do the same this year.

Giunta expects similar creative ideas from others as well.

Immediately after the parade, Mayor Tom Leighton will light the Christmas tree that will stand on Public Square throughout the holiday season.

“The whole day was just a success last year,” Giunta said

In addition to the Nov. 22 events, the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Association is providing entertainment each Friday and Saturday during the holiday season with carolers and a strolling Santa Claus.

Besides the music and Santa wandering the streets, Christmas trees also will be for sale on Public Square.

But the most convenient part?

The downtown business association has announced free holiday parking after noon each day beginning Nov. 29.

Scranton also has an array of fun planned for Nov. 22

The 16th annual Jaycees Santa Parade will begin at 9 a.m., and, immediately after, visitors can join Santa for breakfast at the Hilton Scranton Hotel & Conference Center.

The cost for adults is $12; children 10 years of age and younger cost $6; and admission is free for children under age 3.

Scranton has dozens of businesses and community groups participating in its parade.

Planning committee co-chair Tony Patte said children most look forward to the end of the parade when a fire truck carries Santa into town.

“It’s amazing. They all light up,” Patte said. “It’s the kickoff of the Christmas season in the downtown.”

For 16 years, his community-service group, the Jaycees, has planned the parade, which attracted more than 40,000 people last year.

The Jaycees, after not making their own float for about three years, once again will have one themed “The 12 Days of Recycling,” which will offer environmentally friendly ideas for families.

What’s new this year?

As in Wilkes-Barre, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a community mural-drawing project spearheaded by Heart to Art, a design and marketing company dedicated to building stronger communities and co-owned by Donna Doherty, wife of Mayor Chris Doherty.

The mayor will serve as parade grand marshal.

“It’s nice. That way everyone can be a part of something in the downtown,” Patte said.