Lackawanna County Festival of Trees

Lackawannna County-The Electric City Trolley Station & Museum will shine like the brightest star in the galaxy when the switches are turned on for the December 14 Festival of Trees Reception.

The event will run from 5:30 PM - 8 PM and also once again serve as a fund raiser for "Toys For Tots." The theme of this year's festival is "Green Christmas" with an emphasis on sustainability, recycling and living green.

Tickets for the event are $20 each and feature food, beverages, including local wine donated by Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, Scott Township, and music by Jenkins & Wodyatt.

The event is being sponsored by the Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad, Citizens Savings Bank, and Penn Security Bank & Trust Company.

Lackawanna County will have two trees on display this year. One tree will showcase the ornaments collected by the County's Community Relations Department from each municipality. The ARTS Engage! tree will feature ornaments created by children, K - 12, in the ARTS Engage! Program. ARTS Engage! is a program sponsored by the County for at-risk youth to help build their self-esteem and create positive social skills.

Awards will be given for first, second, and third places as well as Honorable Mention and People's Choice Award. Guests at the reception can cast their ballot for their favorite tree year for $1 per vote.

General admission to the tree exhibit is $6 for adults and $5 for senior citizens. On December 29, the museum will offer free admission in the spirit of the holiday season. The exhibit is open seven days a week from 9 AM - 5 PM until December 31.

Another holiday favorite is the "Trolley Ride With Santa." During the month of December, the "Santa Runs" are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, Noon, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for children; youngsters three and under are free. Combination tickets for the museum tour and trolley ride are also available.

Contact the museum at 570-963-6590 for reservations. The rides conclude on December 22. 

The Lackawanna County Commissioners expressed their thanks to the sponsors of the 2012 Festival of Trees exhibit located at the Electric City Trolley Station & Museum, 300 Cliff Street, Scranton. This year's opening reception will be Friday, December 14, from 5:30 PM to 8 PM, featuring food, beverages, live music and a glittering array of holiday trees. Clockwise, Commissioner Jim Wansacz, Karli Musheno, Penn Security Bank, sponsor; Lorie Ransom, Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad, sponsor; Tonyehn Verkitus, Festival of Trees committee; John Reuther, Citizens Savings Bank, sponsor; Commissioner Corey D. O'Brien; Maureen McGuigan, the County's Deputy Director of Arts & Culture; and Commissioner Patrick M. O'Malley.

(Information from Lackawanna County)