Event scheduled in Vannucchi 's honor

NANTICOKE – Erik Vannucchi was looking forward to his college days at University Park when his life was cut short by a hit-and-run driver on May 29.

The 19-year-old Plymouth man had completed his sophomore year at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and was headed to Main Campus when tragedy struck.

But his memory lives on, and organizers of Nanticoke’s second annual South Valley Heritage Days are holding a motorcycle bike run in Vannucchi’s honor.

The bike run is one of numerous events planned for the festival, which runs from Wednesday through Saturday.

Motorcyclists will leave from Nanticoke High School on Kosciuszko Street at 2 p.m. Saturday on a course through Back Mountain, Glen Lyon, Wilkes-Barre, Hanover Township and Nanticoke.

“All the money that is being raised will go to the Vannucchi family,” said Kevin Greenberg, spokesman for the South Valley Chamber of Commerce. The chamber is hosting the four-day festival.

Heritage Days festivities kick off at 5 p.m. Wednesday when officials tap a keg of root beer.

The newly minted annual festival started last year as chamber members look for a way to highlight the South Valley’s rich heritage in Luzerne County.

“After a couple business meetings at the chamber it was decided we should have something to celebrate our history in the South Valley,” said Jerry Hudak, Chamber of Commerce president. “It’s rich in history and folklore.”

This year also features an inaugural potato pancake eating contest at 4 p.m. Saturday

“We invite contestants to bring their appetites and see how many they can devour,” Hudak said.

Minivan shuttle service will pick up residents from the three senior citizen high-rise towers in Nanticoke hourly on Wednesday during the polka-themed night. Glen Lyon residents can be picked up at 5 p.m. at the senior citizen center with a return trip at 9 p.m.

Children may have their pictures taken while sitting in a race car Thursday during the motorsports-themed night.

The Danko race team from the Giants Despair Hillclimb in Wilkes-Barre Township will make an appearance, and antique, restored and stock cars will be featured.

Fire departments throughout the county have been invited to participate in a 6 p.m. parade on Friday during Fireman’s Night.

Music will be provided nightly, from 6 to 10, and will include polka band Jolly Joe and the Bavarians on Wednesday; local recording band 40 Lb. Head will on Thursday; Oz Band on Friday and two bands on Saturday – John Stanky, from 3:30-5:30 p.m., followed by X Countryat 6 p.m. during Bike Night.

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