The Clauses arrive in downtown Tunkhannock in grand style.
Photos and story by Rick Hiduk
(Also published in the Rocket-Courier)
People came from miles around to enjoy Christmas in Our Hometown in Tunkhannock this past weekend, cheering Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrived via horse-drawn wagon, enjoying holiday treats offered by churches, civic groups, and local businesses, and taking in a variety of free entertainment. It marked the 17th year that the Tunkhannock Business and Professional Association sponsored the event.
The Tunkhannock High School Marching Band, led by the Girls Little League East Coast Champions (above), guided Santa’s wagon down Tioga Street to Peoples Security Bank, where the Clauses met Chris Langlois and Kelly Byrne of Eyewitness News (below) for a live telecast of the official lighting of the borough Christmas tree.
Nearby, dancers from Whipple Performing Arts thrilled youngsters pressed against the windows (below) of Greenwood’s Furniture. Across Tioga Street at the Dietrich Theater, patrons took in exhibits in the main lobby, enjoyed a free movie screening, and lined up for the annual cookie walk.
Throughout the borough, festively decorated businesses stayed open late as customers enjoyed meals together and shopped for unique gifts. There was an undeniable nip in the air, but spirits were high, and smiles were abundant.
Photos by Rick Hiduk
Rep. Karen Boback (center) visits with Wyoming County Fair Queen Madison Sickler and Junior Queen Serena Aumich.
Tunkhannock High School music students formed a roaming group of carolers.
The praise band from Bridgewater Baptist Church rocked out Christmas tunes on Tioga Street.
Sharon Neumane was one of many volunteers at the Dietrich Theater assisting with the popular cookie walk.
Among the many families eager to greet Santa and see the town Christmas Tree lit were the Deiberts, including Wyalusing school teachers Kevin and Audra and their sons Max (front, left) and Harry.
David Swanson, decked out as a gingerbread man, greeted visitors to the Dietrich Theater on Friday night.
The Santa parade was led by the Tunkhannock Girls Little League East Coast champs.
The Tunkhannock High School Marching Band leads Santa and Mrs. Claus down Tioga Street.
Pro Rehab employees (from left) Andrew Adams, Susan Dwyer, Cynthia Brownell, Amanda Brown, Alexa Plevyack and Colleen Howard distributed Santa stress balls to Christmas in Our Hometown patrons.
Children of all ages check out the display offered by the Endless Mountains Model Railroad Club.
Tunkhannock High School band members (from left) Robert Jenkins, Dan Roote and Glenn Brown bedazzled their tubas for the event.
Serving hot chocolate on a chilly night were Tunkhannock Lions Club members (from left) Lisa Kirchner, Jim Luce, Josie Sands, Steve Patton, and Judy Gingher.
Always, a crowd-pleaser, horse-drawn wagon rides through Tunkhannock were enjoyed by hundreds this past weekend.
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