The holiday season will look a bit more festive in Jim Thorpe’s Memorial Park this year.

Mayor Michael Sofranko said the borough would be hosting its inaugural “Festival of Trees,” culminating with a lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at the park along East 10th Street.

“A number of years ago, our residents had asked us about having trees in the park, whether it be Memorial Park or one of the others around town, but we ran into the pandemic so it just wasn’t a good time to do it,” Sofranko said. “Now we wanted to revisit that idea and I think it’s just a great chance for everyone to get together around the holiday season. Whether someone buys a tree to bring attention to a certain cause or they are remembering a loved one who may no longer be with us, it brings the community together and we’ll have the chance to see a lot of beautifully decorated trees.”

Committee member Tammy Lombardo-Schatz said Jim Thorpe would start out offering 40 trees for sale during its initial festival.

Similar to the tree programs held in other towns such as Palmerton and Lehighton, residents, businesses or groups can purchase a four-foot tree for $45 and then decorate it between Nov. 27 and Dec. 1.

“We have sold 13 already so we’re off to a good start,” Schatz said. “We’ve been promoting it on social media and on the borough website. The borough is donating the tree stands and we’ll also be making the identification tags for each tree.”

Walker’s Tree Farm in Lehighton is providing the trees, which Sofranko said is no small task in a year where trees will be hard to come by.

“Securing trees was one of the big challenges because there is a shortage this year,” he said. “We’re grateful Walker’s stepped up and is willing to help us get this off the ground.”

The borough has posted information on its website concerning guidelines for the trees and their decorations. Only L.E.D. lights and exterior extension cords are allowed. No glass ornaments will be permitted and decorations must be secured to the tree.

A registration form is available on the borough website, www.jtborough.org. A hard copy can also be obtained by visiting the borough office during business hours.

The Festival of Trees committee includes Sofranko, Lombardo-Schatz, Joe Schatz, Rose and Greg Strubinger, Mike Yeastedt, Joanne Klitsch, Betty Lou McBride and Ted and Lori LaRizzio.