McKeesport
Lights
Downtown
Festival
of
Trees
for
Celebrates
Christmas
Season with
Impressive
Display
T
he City of McKeesport hosted its annual
downtown tree-lighting ceremony on
December 5, following city council’s monthly
meeting. Public officials, business owners,
and community members gathered in Kennedy Park
to add another layer of joy and lights to this year’s
sparkle season.
“With so many wonderful events in McKeesport
to kick off the holiday season – from the Salute to
Santa Parade to the Festival of Trees – it’s nice to host
activities that bring our community together at this
time of year,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said.
Guests enjoyed light refreshments provided by the
McKeesport Hospital Foundation and holiday songs
performed by Chalice. What they seemed to love most
was the nostalgia that came with reinstallation of the
town’s favorite Daily News lights – Christmas-themed
neon lights that shined from the building’s Walnut
Street and Lysle Boulevard’s windows for decades.
Because the City is renovating the former Daily
News building for
Allegheny County
Offices, digital media
endeavors, and other
businesses, Mayor
Cherepko said the
gesture shows how
much the city cares
for its traditions, its
residents, and its
local economy.
R
enziehausen Park twinkled with holiday cheer December 6
through 10 during the 33rd annual Festival of Trees. This year’s
event boasted more than 80 trees at the Main Pavilion and
McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center. It also included
sleigh-hay rides, food sales by McKeesport Area culinary students, a bake
sale by the Semper Fidelis Club of McKeesport, and holiday décor sale by
the Garden Club of McKeesport.
Mayor Michael Cherepko said the Festival of Trees is always a great way
to spread holiday cheer while being active in the McKeesport community.
“The Festival of Trees is a beautiful event,” Cherepko said. “Not only
does it bring McKeesporters together in celebration of the holiday spirit,
but it allows each of our local organizations, student clubs, churches, and
other participating groups to share their mission and creativity with our
community.”
Event co-chair Cheryl Cotter said the Festival of Trees tradition
brings “all of McKeesport together to celebrate the great parts of our
community.” She was happy to have a variety of performers entertain
this year’s crowd, including local student groups, scouts, religious
organizations, and a signing troupe that performed Christmas carols for
the hearing impaired.
MCKEESPORT AREA
❘
WINTER 2018
27