The brisk winter air met those who celebrated the lighting of the Christmas tree in Josiah White Park at the Mauch Chunk Train Station in Jim Thorpe. Jim Thorpe Mayor Michael Sofranko, state Rep. Doyle Heffley and Santa Claus lit the tree donated by Hill Farms.

Dina Tulli-Davis from Jump Spark Creative Group led the crowd in carols, accompanied by Jim Thorpe Area High School students Carson Queen and Gabby Davis as well as Jim Thorpe graduate Natalie Garritano, and the Jim Thorpe High School marching band directed by Eric Flowers entertained with more Christmas songs.

There was plenty of delicious food to enjoy. Gary Wagner was there selling chicken tenders, French fries, pierogies, coffee and hot chocolate, plus other hot foods. And Bill Padula from Carmella’s Italian Pastries of Scranton had many wonderful baked goods like cannoli, cupcakes, cookies and much more.

“We anticipate a big crowd,” Padula said. “We’re happy everyone is here at the tree lighting. It’s a real kickoff to the holiday season.”

Alison Wanamaker, executive director of the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, said, “This year we partnered with the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency and the Pocono Chamber of Commerce to help out with the tree lighting, and we’ve joined forces with Turn to Us to help make the tree lighting festival a possibility.”

Last year’s event was one of the many casualties of COVID-19.

“We’re happy to be back,” Wanamaker said. “We’re excited to light the tree once again here at Josiah White Park in Jim Thorpe; we’re excited to spread cheer all over town and throughout Carbon County. We’re thankful to be supported by the community, many businesses and individuals, supported the wreaths you see here and on Broadway. Thank you to everyone that helped.”

Even a few interruptions did not stop the festivities. Thursday night’s strong winds knocked over the borough’s Christmas tree, which volunteers helped to set upright and fix the decorations. And Santa was due to arrive on a firetruck, but a last-minute emergency sent the truck away and the Jim Thorpe Trolley stepped up and brought Santa to the park.

Mayor Michael Sofranko offered his best wishes. “On behalf of myself, my family, and the members of Jim Thorpe Borough Council, we wish everyone in Jim Thorpe and our visitors a very Merry Christmas and a happy and blessed new year.”