Palmerton decks the park for annual event

Nearly all 151 trees situated in Palmerton’s park on Delaware Avenue had been decorated, Michele O’Neill ensured after her walk-through Wednesday night.

And as O’Neill checked each tree for lights, making sure none would be left dark come Saturday, the reality started to set in: the borough’s seventh annual Christmas in the Park is just around the corner.

“It’s unbelievable this year,” O’Neill, chairwoman of the event, said. “It’s bigger than ever.”

Every tree in the park has been adopted and adorned by residents, local businesses or nearby organizations. And this year, visitors will be able to vote on which one was decked out best in the event’s first ever People’s Choice Award.

People can cast votes on Saturday after Christmas in the Park kicks off at noon until just before the lights switch on at 4:30 p.m.

New toy donations for the Blue Ridge Toy and Coat Drive will be accepted at the event, as well as nonperishable food and self-care items for the Christian Action Council Palmerton Area Churches Food Pantry.

This year’s bazaar will also feature special postcards from Palmerton’s Christmases past. The cards come in a pack of five and capture scenes like snowflake lights shining down Delaware and the borough’s beloved bandstand.

Old Saint Nick will be escorted into the park by firefighters at 1 p.m. He plans to stay in the park until 3 p.m., but parents and kids need to be in line by no later than 2:30 p.m. if they want a chance to share their wish lists with Santa.

But if food, craft vendors, horse and wagon rides, free entertainment, festive trees and one-of-a-kind keepsakes aren’t enough to convince you to brave the cold and head to Palmerton this weekend, maybe O’Neill can.

“My hope always is to spread the Christmas cheer,” she said. “It’s really about coming together and sharing the Christmas season together.”