Lehighton to host second annual Christmas in the Park event

With the anticipated arrival of 116 trees, the feeling of Christmas is certain to be in the air this week in Lehighton.

The trees will adorn the borough’s upper and lower parks as part of the second annual Lehighton Christmas in the Park event.

Tree decorating will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Park decorations and trees will be donated by Crystal Spring Tree Farm.

In addition to the 5-foot trees that will line the walkways, Crystal Spring Tree Farm has also donated a 15-foot tree that will be placed in front of the Lehighton Amphitheater, as well as decorations for the park fountain.

Sponsored by the Lehighton Borough Parks & Recreation Board, this year’s event guarantees to be even bigger and better, according to Autumn Abelovsky, secretary of the board.

“After a spectacular first year with enormous interest, the Parks & Recreation Board plans to grow this holiday event each year,” Abelovsky said. “The Parks & Recreation Board encourages all those who adopted trees, as well as those who would like to witness the community spirit in action, stop by the parks to enjoy some warm food and drink at the vendors, and listen to the holiday music piped throughout the parks.”

Without question, the event’s feature attraction rests in the community tree lighting, which will take place at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., the Pale Moon Players Carolers will stroll through the parks to entertain guests.

At 6 p.m., the 15-foot central tree in front of the upper park amphitheater, along with the 115 adopted trees, will be lit following a town song and countdown.

Abelovsky said the Parks & Recreation Board hopes to have the community join together in singing “Silent Night” before the lighting, and immediately after, fall into a rousing “We Wish You a merry Christmas.”

“Everyone is then encouraged to walk around and take in the lit trees, but almost as important, meet, share holiday greetings and socialize with friends and neighbors,” she said.

Abelovsky said that through sponsorships, the Parks & Recreation Board was able to purchase new industrial electrical cording for the trees.

She said sponsors for the 2017 Christmas trees in the Park will have featured trees along Constitution Avenue in “Sponsor Row.”

This year’s sponsors include Crystal Spring Tree Farm, Next Era Energy and Lehighton Orioles Nest 183 as full sponsors, and PDC Spa & Pool World, Service Construction Company and Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank as half-sponsors, Abelovsky said.

She said many local families, organizations, businesses and groups adopted the trees.

Parks & Recreation board member Louise Christman added that “Christmas is always a time of togetherness with family and friends, and our park shows the beauty of the season.”

“I am so proud of the many people, business and organizations who have participated this year with our celebration,” Christman said. “It is important for everyone to support our town and see what we have to offer that makes our community. I remember the town as it was and I envision how it can become.”

Abelovsky said the trees will be illuminated day and night throughout December for everyone to stroll through the parks and view.

All tree decorations must be removed between Jan. 3-5, 2018. Any decorations that are not collected will be discarded by the borough at the time of tree removal by noon Jan. 5.

Last year’s initial event was organized by the Lehighton 150th Celebration Committee, and had 73 trees decorated throughout both parks.