Times-Shamrock Media in partnership with Lackawanna County announced plans for the annual Tower Lighting event on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 149 Penn Ave. in downtown Scranton. The annual event serves as the region’s official holiday kickoff with the lighting of the 250-foot WEJL radio tower that sits on the top of the former Scranton Times building. The event has become a holiday tradition in Northeast Pennsylvania attracting thousands of people each year.

This year’s event will feature more than 10 food vendors, 25 other activity and local business vendors providing crafts for kids, community information, coloring contests, face painting and more. Additionally, Lackawanna County will have several booths highlighting services available to residents from several county agencies. The event will be held from noon until 6 p.m. with the ceremonial lighting of the tower and a holiday fireworks display sponsored by Lehigh Valley Health System. Other sponsors include the Scranton Downtown Federal Credit Union, Shane Scanlon Law, Nunzi’s Automotive Sales and Service, The Marketplace at Steamtown, Jo-Dan Buick GMC, Scranton Art Haus and Net Credit Union.

This year’s event will feature live entertainment, more than 30 vendors including food vendors, local business and non-profit organizations on Penn Avenue between Linden Street and Lackawanna Avenue. There will be activities for kids and adults throughout the day.

Entertainment will begin at 1 p.m. featuring The Valley View High School Chorus, the Scranton Cultural Youth Program, musician Riley Loftus, The Divine Mercy Church Choir, The Impastas music duo, the Occhipinti Dance Company, Lynette’s Twirlerettes and Ballet Theatre of Scranton. Additional entertainment is still being added to the lineup. Other features added to this year’s event include an appearance by the Phillie Phanatic and other team mascots; a photo booth and special appearances by several holiday characters provided by Nunzi’s Automotive in Scranton.

Families will be able to visit Santa in the Scranton Downtown Federal Credit Union, and the Jolly Old Elf will help light the tower at 6 p.m. sharp followed by fireworks sponsored by Lehigh Valley Hospital. A full schedule of entertainment and vendors for the event is available at Rock107.com. Limited vendor space for local businesses, crafters and non-profit agencies is still available by calling 570-207-8561.

Funds from the Lackawanna County Office of Economic Development were used to sponsor this event.