ALLENTOWN, Pa. - If you're a 5th grader in the Allentown School District, the city has a question for you.
No, it's not, "Have you been naughty or nice?"
The mayor's office wants to know, "Why do you love Allentown?"
- Allentown will hold its tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 3
- The winner of an essay contest open to all ASD 5th graders will get to help light the tree
- The event will include musical performances, s'mores making, hot chocolate, horse-drawn carriage rides and more.
That's the essay topic that could land one kid a spot helping Mayor Matt Tuerk, PPL Electric Utilities President Steph Raymond and Santa Claus in lighting Allentown’s Christmas tree.
The city is partnering with the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance and PPL Electric Utilities to put on the event — dubbed "Powering the Season" — on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the ArtsPark.
The tree lighting will include musical performances, dance acts, horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting, hot chocolate, s'mores making and a photo booth, a news release said.
Pip the Mouse (once a fixture at Hess's department store) and Lehigh Valley Phantoms mascot MeLVin will also join the festivities.
Children in attendance will receive a free toy from the Lehigh Valley Marine Corps Toys for Tots, and all activities are free. Holiday treats are available to purchase from local vendors.
ALLENTOWN TREE LIGHTING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
4:00-4:45 p.m. – Performances from William Allen High School and Dieruff High School
4:45 p.m. – Santa arrives on a fire truck with PPL Electric Utilities truck following along
5:00 p.m. – Tree lighting program with Mayor Tuerk, PPL Electric Utilities President Steph Raymond, Santa, and ASD student
5:15-7:00 p.m. – More performances from various local organizations
For a full list of holiday events and tree lighting ceremonies around the Lehigh Valley, check out our story HERE.
