Dear Panther Valley area residents,

The LA Events Committee would like to thank everyone who attended "Christmas in Kennedy Park" tree lighting program. This program truly helped to ring in the joyous Christmas season!Special thanks to the following for performing traditional Christmas songs: The Panther Valley Band, under the direction of Mark Christ, St. Katharine Drexel Church Contemporary Choir and the Grace Community Church Youth Group.Thank you also goes to Karen O'Toole and WMGH/WLSH for announcing the winner of the "Little Miss Snowflake" contest; the master of ceremonies, Colin Jones, who graciously accepted our invitation.A special thanks goes to Angela Nardini, who was able to attend even with short notice to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America."Also thanks to Andy Leibenguth and TV-13 for covering our event. These wonderful people did an outstanding job!There are more people to thank, including the Lansford Fire Department, who served hot chocolate, coffee and brought Santa and Mrs. Claus all the way from the North Pole.This is just one of the many ways the Lansford Fire Department helps out the community.We also want to thank the bakers and candy makers, who made so many delicious treats, as well as the Crystal View Carriage Services, which brought their horse-drawn carriage to our event, giving the children a magical experience.Of course we cannot forget the 2014 "Little Miss Snowflake" winner, Ashley Scheitrum of Coaldale and her court, including Hannah Kane of Nesquehoning, Mercedes Reynolds of Lansford and Sophia Tessitore of Summit Hill.These young ladies earned their spots by writing wonderful essays about "What Christmas Means to me."And finally, we cannot forget to thank Santa and Mrs. Claus for coming and making the children's eyes light up while sitting on Santa's lap.The children were so excited to meet Santa, and the smiles on their faces were priceless.The events committee wants to thank you all for volunteering your time in helping and supporting us. The Panther Valley Area truly has some wonderful people!Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year to everyone!LA Events Committee,Marie OndrusIrma LeibenspergerMartin DitskyBob Dobosh