EASTON, Pa. - The annual Peace Candle lighting took place Saturday night at Easton's Centre Square. The event coincided with Small Business Saturday, a marketing day created by the American Express credit card company.
- Downtown Easton's Peace Candle lit up once again this year, marking Small Business Saturday
- In a tough economic time, some businesses say they need the help, while some are doing fine
- The Peace Candle is set to shine until mid-January
Mayor Sal Panto Jr. spoke from a podium before the lights went on.
He was joined by representatives from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union — they built the candle — and various honorees in the community who took part in a small awards ceremony.
"All right, we're gonna do this," Panto said to a crowd of hundreds before handing over a large prop of a wooden match to two people who had won an auction, granting them the privilege of flipping the switch to ignite the giant candle.
Winners of an auction got to flip the switch and light the giant candle. Crowd loves it @LVNewsdotcom @WLVRNews pic.twitter.com/sorn1MK9G8
— Julian Abraham (@JulianJAbraham) November 26, 2022
"I need you to yell and scream real loud," he said, before counting down from 10 and giving the signal for the guests to hit the switch, lighting it up and sparking cheers from the crowd.
The candle stands almost a hundred feet high and is built on the Soldiers and Sailors Monument every year.
Shopping under the light
The candle-lighting was organized by the Easton Main Street Initiative, the business commission in the area, which serves to promote local shops and services.
"Small Business Saturday? How about no business Saturday," said Rick Miller, who owns Utopia in the 400 block of Northampton Street, which sells rock 'n roll T-shirts, incense and cannabis paraphernalia.
"I'm being honest," he said, breaking from his chuckle.
"People need to know the economy is, inflation is high, they really should rename it that."Rick Miller, owner of Utopia in Easton
Miller said he barely had any sales on Small Business Saturday, which has been the way his business has been going — although they are rated four-and-a-half stars on Google and have been in business for decades.
Across the street, there was a different story: at Trading Post, Ed Di Lello sells custom wooden furniture and said he had a great day for the bottom line.
"It's been a busy day in town today," he said. "Better than other Saturdays, because of the holiday weekend and [because] a lot of people are in town for travels."
Di Lello said his business remained strong throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as well.
"Yes, surprisingly," he said with a laugh. "I guess a lot of people were home and doing projects, I had a very good year."
The Easton Peace Candle is set to be displayed until mid-January.
