Pennsylvania Mayor Creatively Untangling Old Christmas Lights

Mayor is leading a campaign fundraiser to replace the Pottsville, Pennsylvania’s Christmas lights.

Mayor Dave Clews is leading a campaign to raise $35,000 to fund the replacement of the city’s 20-plus-year-old Christmas lights. Tom Whitaker, Pottsville superintendent of streets, highlighted the need for replacement due to rust and wear on the current decorations.The lights, which are star-shaped and hung on street poles every year, play a role in welcoming holiday season festivities. City street workers hung the lights (approximately 40 with 50 lights each) the week before Thanksgiving and removed them last week.Clews noted that each replacement light costs around $800 and, in order to have them ready for 2023, new lights would need to be ordered by March. The Pottsville Business Association has committed $10,000 towards replacements thus far.Enders explained that the original light display was created as a way to honor former Mayor Terence P. “Terry” Reiley (who died of leukemia in February 2000) and Stine’s son (the late Tim Stine, who died in a car accident). Both Enders and Stine went around to businesses to solicit donations for the project. In all, Enders said Tuesday, about 35 light fixtures were purchased with donated money.Clews believes that, similar to when the lights were first put in place, Pottsville residents and business owners will donate to the cause. Those wishing to contribute can reach Clews by calling 570-622-1234 or emailing mayor@city.pottsville.pa.us.

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About Pottsville, Pennsylvania

Situated in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Pottsville is a city with a population of around 14,324 people. It’s renowned for its mining heritage and past production of anthracite coal – which at one time made it one of the largest producers in the world. Pottsville also plays host to the oldest operating brewery in America – Yuengling brewery – making it an important part of US history.

Home to the Schuylkill County Courthouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, Pottsville also has many parks and recreational areas, such as the Pottsville Area Development Corporation’s Riverside Park. It offers great opportunities for those looking to hike, fish or picnic.

The city offers a downtown business district with a variety of small shops, restaurants, and bars too. Lastly, it is near several educational institutions like Penn State Schuylkill and Schuylkill County Academy of Sciences and Technology – a community college.