The Downtown Allentown Business Alliance, the City of Allentown, and the Allentown Chamber of Commerce held the Allentown Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, December 4th at the Allentown Arts Park. The event was packed with activities and character appearances. From Mr. & Mrs. Claus, horse and carriage rides, face painting, ample crafts, and more, the park filled with thousands of guests throughout the evening. The Allentown Art Museum was open to shop in their retail store, have fun with a craft, listen to the pianist, and view the art. The Baum School held another craft station for all to enjoy. Other vendors participated in the event including Allentown Library, Circle of Seasons Charter School, Mack Truck display and giveaways. Toys were provided by Toys for Tots and given to all the children who attended. Hot Chocolate and cookies were also given to attendees provided by The Salvation Army. meLVin from the Phantoms, the Nutcracker characters from Miller Symphony Hall, and Pip the Mouse from the Liberty Bell Museum all made an appearance. Many officials and dignitaries were also in the crowd including Mayor Ray O’Connell, Community and Economic Development Director & Deputy Mayor of Allentown, Leonard Lightner, Deputy Director, Thomas Williams, Captain of the Allentown Fire Department, Captain John Christopher, Chief of Police and Mayor-Elect Matthew Tuerk.

The William Allen Marching band opened the show with holiday classics. Then, the Dieruff High School Choir performed followed by the William Allen High School Dance Performers. Mack Trucks delivered Santa to the scene, led by the Allentown  Fire Department fire truck with sirens blazing and lights flashing as they approached 5^th Street. Fire pits were present for roasting Stuffed Puffs marshmallows and were run by the Allentown Fire Department. The Chamber had a huge giveaway table including RCN blankets, LVHN JB Reilly Children’s Hospital glow sticks, Stuffed Puffs marshmallow bags, and so much more. Many got to experience the photobooths on site, one hand painted by Brittney Ciardi of the Allentown Chamber team, featuring the Iron Pigs and Phantoms mascots. Another photobooth provided take home photo strips from the event. La Mega Radio was present with their lit-up Hummer, music, and giveaways.

It was truly an all-inclusive community event for everyone to enjoy. The Allentown Chamber team, Downtown Allentown Business Alliance, and the City of Allentown can’t wait to build more to this event next year.

Information provided to TVL by:
Staci Saeger
Vice President
Downtown Allentown Initiatives
https://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/

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