When the TBPA’s “Wreaths Around Tunkhannock” kicks off this weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to hunt for 36 decorated wreaths in a variety of businesses and offices. Each will have a unique theme, while some wreaths have been decorated by representatives of the businesses and offices, others have used some professional guidance. Creekside Gardens staff member Bill Terhune (above) lends his creative style to a wreath for another location. However, he is not revealing the theme of the Creekside Gardens wreath.
This Saturday marks the kick-off of the fifth Annual “Wreaths Around Tunkhannock,” with 36 businesses and stores participating in the month-long wreath hunt that runs through Saturday, Dec. 19.
“We were thrilled with the response that ‘Wreaths Around Tunkhannock’ received last year,” said Tunkhannock Business and Professional Association (TBPA) board president Trisha Zaleppa. “It brought many people to a variety of stores and businesses throughout the Tunkhannock area. All locations had fun creating their unique wreath and displaying them during the month.”
The campaign was devised as a fun way to promote the many different shops, services and businesses in the area, Zaleppa added. “We are also emphasizing the many member businesses outside the historic downtown district. Our goal is to get shoppers into the businesses so they can see the many unique products and services available right in Tunkhannock.”
TBPA director Nancy Parlo said, “Most of last year’s participants are returning again and several new businesses have signed up for this holiday season. The great thing to see is the diversity of the wreaths; no two are alike. They run the gamut from elegant to rustic.
Past themes have included movies, board games, hobbies and other interests. We encourage shop owners to do their own decorating, but some go all out and seek the creative talents of businesses like Creekside Gardens. The employees of Creekside even have a special term for the creations of staff member Bill Terhune. If it’s Bill’s creation, it has been “Billified.”
It is easy for shoppers to get involved with “Wreaths Around Tunkhannock.” Contest participants can pick up a registration card at any of the participating businesses. Each featured member business will display a uniquely-themed TBPA wreath. Shoppers identify the wreath’s theme on their registration card. The complete list of participants is on the TBPA website www.tunkhannockbusiness.com.
After visiting the ten businesses, contestants can submit their cards to be included in the weekly Saturday drawing. Prizes for the weekly drawings will be donated gift cards from the participating businesses and have a total value of over $500. There will also be a drawing for one “full-card” winner who visit all locations. That drawing will be held at the end of the event.
Individuals can submit one card during each week of the event. Cards will be accepted at the North Pole mailbox, located at the offices of the Wyoming County Press Examiner on East Tioga Street.
The TBPA event is being held to complement the annual ‘Christmas in Our Hometown’ on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5. Activities will include Tree Lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Living Window performances at Greenwood’s Furniture, Ice Sculptures, Trolley Rides, Horse and Wagon Rides, a free movie, cookie walk and workshop at the Dietrich Theater, a gingerbread house contest and demonstration and an expanded model train display.