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Tower Lighting Ushers in Holiday Season

SCRANTON — It’s a holiday tradition in Scranton as every year, the colorful lights on the Scranton Times radio tower create the tallest Christmas tr...

SCRANTON -- It's a holiday tradition in Scranton as every year, the colorful lights on the Scranton Times radio tower create the tallest Christmas tree in northeastern and central Pennsylvania.

Hundreds gathered downtown Wednesday evening to watch the lights get switched on.

For 55 years, the Scranton Times has lit the tower, creating a holiday scene that's visible for miles around the downtown.

480 lights atop the tower reach 450 feet into the air.

Over the past six years, the Scranton Times has included a block party, which on this night drew hundreds of people to the downtown. Organizers are pleased it's become quite the holiday happening.

"Wherever you travel and you meet people from the Scranton area, they all talk about coming back at Christmas and seeing the tower. And it's something that unites people. They really just enjoy it and it becomes part of their holiday tradition," publisher George Lynett said.

New this year, the Scranton Times added a two-mile ugly sweater fun run. Folks donned their holiday best (or worst) for a jaunt through the Electric City.

Amanda Vitzakovitch of Forest City is one of the two ladies who won the prize for ugliest sweater.

"We like being together for the holidays," Vitzakovitch said.

The lighting of the Times Tower ushers in the holiday season in Scranton. It also kicks off a very busy night in the Electric City.

Downtown bars and restaurants were packed as folks returned home for the holidays and ventured out to see old friends.

The manager at Ale Mary's calls it one of the biggest nights of the year.

"The night before Thanksgiving, everyone's here. So many people travel from everywhere. Everyone can come hang out, see each other, they haven't seen each other all year. It's just a great night to be out. Be with friends, be with family," said Matt Rinkunas.

John Gownley from the Bronx was one of the Scranton natives home for the holiday and out to visit with old friends.

"Well, the night's always wonderful to come back this evening. Friends and family, see people you haven't seen in a couple years," Gownley said.

The lights on the Times Tower will remain in colorful holiday mode through the holiday season.

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