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Joyful squeals echoed throughout downtown Wilkes-Barre on Saturday as children clamored across Public Square to get a first glimpse of Jolly Old St. Nick.
The City of Wilkes-Barre held its annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony, with over an hour’s worth of festivities before the arrival of Santa Claus and subsequent tree lighting ceremony.
Dozens of floats, bands, organizations and businesses walked down South Main Street to Public Square, with many spectators noting on the grand size of the event.
Included this year were two local groups for Jeep enthusiasts, with dozens of the vehicles dolled up in garland, inflatables, flags and more as they made their way down the route.
“We had 81 groups with six divisions,” said city event coordinator Patty Hughes. “It’s probably about 1,500 people in the parade this year — it’s growing every year.”
Wide-eyed children bundled in festive hats, scarves and mittens eagerly held bags of candy as participants passed them by. While Mother Nature kept clear skies for the event, a crispness in the air called for warm attire.
Kristen Dopko sat on the sidewalk with her sister and family as they waited for the parade to begin. The Plymouth resident said attending the event has become an annual tradition and marks the official start of the holiday season.
She said she’s happy the city continues to hold the parade and tree lighting ceremony each year, giving residents more options to attend community events that are closer to their own neighborhoods.
“I think it’s nice. Not that Scranton is far — but it’s far enough. It’s nice to be closer to home,” she continued.
It was just after 4 p.m. when horns could be heard blasting throughout the downtown — a clear sign that Jolly Old St. Nick was just ahead. Children quickly turned their attention to a convoy of first responder vehicles that was assisting in Santa’s safe arrival to Public Square.
Families quickly placed themselves around the large evergreen, which was donated this year by Gene Lazarus of Hudson Garden in Plains Township, grabbing some hot chocolate from the Salvation Army while listening to the Mohegan Sun A Capella Choir sing holiday tunes.
Carrying his granddaughter, Emily, Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tony George arrived to a large wooden switch placed along the tree.
“Is everybody ready?” George asked the hundreds around him before starting a countdown.
Leaning over, George let his granddaughter flip the switch, allowing large, colorful lights to cover the Christmas tree to thunderous applause.
As families took turns snapping photos in front of the display, Hughes called the event a success. As she spoke of another upcoming holiday event in the city — the Old-Fashioned Holiday Market on Nov. 30 — she focused on the importance of continuing to host community events.
“I think it’s really important for events (to be held) in the city,” Hughes explained. “Particularly the Christmas Parade, for children to know its time that Santa’s in town, he’s going to be coming really soon — and he’s watching.”