Lower Providence Gets Ready for Fourth-Annual Tree Lighting

Over 1,500 Lower Providence Township residents are expected to come out to the Fourth-Annual Community Tree Lighting. The event, slated for Dec. 7, will take place in the area between the football field and Township Building, located at 100 Parklane Drive in Eagleville.

According to Karl Lukens, Lower Providence Parks and Recreation director, the tree’s 8,000 bulbs are stored in 100 boxes. When wrapped around the 52-foot tall tree, he said that the lights stretch to about 3/4-of-a-mile.

The tree itself, however, need not be transported to the event, as it is firmly planted near the gravel path, leading to the football field.

“It’s pretty amazing when it’s dark,” Lukens said. “There’s nothing like it in the county.”

The lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place by 6:30 p.m. with none other than Santa Claus himself leading the countdown. Lukens said that families can be on the lookout for Santa, as he makes his way down to the tree, riding a Lower Providence Fire Truck.

Other familiar characters, including Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman are also expected to make appearances at the tree-lighting ceremony.

As soon as the tree has been lit, Santa will then be whisked to the nearby Bocce courts, where families and fans can have their picture taken for free.

The Bocce courts, its surrounding areas, as well as Parklane Drive, will also be decorated with a spectacular array of Holiday Lights, completing the event's family friendly atmosphere of a “Winter Wonderland.” 

Also featured during the tree-lighting event:

• Members from the Methacton Community Theater will lead participants in Christmas carols and holiday music.

• Arcola Intermediate School select Chorus

• Glow necklace and candy cane give-a-ways

• Hot chocolate and cookies from the Optimist Club

• Various local business vendor tents

• Cub Scout Pack 119 collecting non-perishable food items

• Feel the Warmth – Coat Drive (event participants may bring such items with them to the tree-lighting event).

A Growing Community Event

According to Denise Walsh, Lower Providence Community Relations Coordinator, the township took over the holiday-themed festivities after a wane in popularity when such festivities occurred at the township firehouse. She said that the tree lighting was the idea of former township supervisor Marie Altieri.

The events planning fell to the Lower Providence Parks and Recreation Department. Walsh said that the department and its tree-lighting committee had no idea how many residents would show, noting that the township does not have a traditional downtown area.

However, according to Walsh, 1,500 residents attended the first year, and participation has been steadily growing since.

“It’s a pretty big event,” Walsh said. “That was Marie’s goal, to get the community together.”

Heading to the 4th-Annual LowPro Community Tree Lighting?

• When – Dec. 7

• Time – Starts at 6:30 p.m.

• Where – Outside the Lower Providence Township Building 

• Parking – Event participants will be directed to park in the unpaved lot by the football field. Each car will receive an event booklet.

• Sponsorship – Lower Providence Township Parks and Recreation is currently looking for more sponsors to aid with costs related to the annual event. Spononsors will be recognized both at the scrolling marquis leading to the township building along Ridge Pike, as well as on a large Sponsor Board on the evening of the event.

For more information about the tree-lighting event or about donations and sponsorships, contact the Lower Providence Parks and Recreation Department at 610-635-3543 or Parks@lowerprovidence.org.