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One of the Mon-Yough area's best-loved holiday traditions is more than a quarter-century old.

McKeesport's 26th Annual Festival of Trees begins today at Jacob Woll Pavilion in Renziehausen Park. More than 60* decorated Christmas trees --- most with handmade ornaments --- are on display, representing student and school groups, church and civic organizations, local businesses, government agencies and emergency responders.

Admission is $2 for adults. Children age 12 and under are admitted free with one canned good for a needy family. The festival continues 12 noon to 9 p.m. through Monday.

Food concessions will be provided by McKeesport High School Alumni and Friends, while the Semper Fidelis Club will sponsor a bake sale.

From 12 to 4 p.m. and from 5:30 to 9 p.m., children may have their photos taken with Santa (parents or other adults should bring their own cameras) and the city's public works department will provide "sleigh-hay" rides through Renzie from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Monday and from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.


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(All photos: Denise L. Ritter, special to Tube City Almanac)

Entertainment will include live music:

• Thursday: 7 to 8 p.m., Mikey Dee Band


• Friday: 12:30 to 1 p.m., Allegheny Intermediate Unit Community Singers


• Friday: 7 to 8 p.m., St. Angela Merici Parish Ensemble


• Saturday: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Chalice (Well Ministries)


• Saturday: 6:30 to 7 p.m., Blotzer Music Studio


• Sunday: 1 to 2 p.m., St. Angela Merici Parish Ensemble


• Sunday: 6 to 7 p.m., Bill Barnes


• Monday: 12:30 to 1 p.m., McKeesport High School Mixed Ensemble


• Monday: 1 to 1:30 p.m., McKeesport High School Brass Ensemble


• Monday: 1:30 to 2 p.m., McKeesport High School Orchestra


• Monday: 4 to 4:30 p.m., McKeesport High School Show Choir

In addition to the trees at Jacob Woll Pavilion, five decorated trees also will be on display at the nearby McKeesport Heritage Center, which will be open from 12 noon to 8 p.m. each day during the Festival of Trees. Popcorn and hot chocolate will be available and the center's gift shop will be open.

From 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, authors Michelle Wardle-Eggers and John Barna will sign copies of their new postcard history book about McKeesport.

. . .

The Garden Club of McKeesport also will be open daily from 12 noon to 7 p.m. during the Festival of Trees, selling fresh greens, wreaths, swags and other homemade crafts and gifts.

. . .

The following trees are entered in this year's festival (list supplied by the volunteer committee):

1. Remembrance Tree by Striffler Family Funeral Home


2. Pet Remembrance Tree by Sue Striffler Galaski


3. We Keep America Running by NAPA Auto Parts


4. Animal Tree by White Oak Animal Safe Haven


5. The Doggonest Best Christmas Tree Ever by Dirty Dogs Dog Wash


6. A Snow Christmas by Garden Club of McKeesport


7. State Sen. Jim Brewster: The 45th District


8. A Celebration of 90 Years by McKeesport College Club


9. Celebrating the Arts by McKeesport Art Group


10. Legend of the Poinsettia by Parkview Community FCU


11. Glowing with Goodness by Centennial Elementary


12. "Nationaltree" by Joyful Bloomers Garden Club


13. Still Tiger Strong at 25! by MHSA & Friends Association


14. Celebrating Live - Time Capsule by Senior Care Plaza Personal Care Home


15. A Child's Festival Christmas Tree by St. Agnes School


16. White Christmas by Seniors and Youth Groups from Versailles Churches


17. Sweet Test "Mints" by Praise Christian Academy


18. 2012 Winter Wonderland by McKeesport Student Council


19. Christmas in Spain by South Allegheny Spanish V


20. Kane's Angels of Caring by Residents of Kane Regional Center McKeesport


21. Faces of Autism by Mon Valley School - AIU


22. God's Colors by Ventures in People


23. God for All Seasons by Beulah Park United Methodist Church


24. Proud as a Peacock by Atria Senior Living - Personal Care


25. The Aromas of Christmas by McKeesport Business and Professional Women's Club


26. Santa's Elves by White Oak Elementary


27. McKeesport's Shining Stars by McKeesport First Steps Parenting


28. Happy Holidays by McKeesport City Council


29. We Serve by McKeesport Lions Club


30. The Snowy Day by the Children of McKeesport Area School District Pre-K Counts


31. Stop Bullying Now! Take a Stand, Lend a Hand by Francis McClure Intermediate School


32. Dollars for Scholars by Semper Fidelis Club


33. Family Champions by Children, Youth and Families


34. More Birthdays! By Relay for Life of McKeesport


35. The Palms Family Tree by The Palms at O'Neil


36. Every Child is a Star Child by Brightside Academy


37. Hearts of Gold by The Craig Family


38. In Memory of "Stop the Violence" by LaRosa Boys and Girls Club


39. Disney Christmas by City of McKeesport City Hall Workers


40. Sparky's Christmas Tree by McKeesport Fire Department


41. Policeman's Christmas Prayer by McKeesport Police Department


42. Paper Cranes for Peace by The Well Ministries


43. Believe by McKeesport Area Ministerium


44. The Awareness Tree by St. Margaret School of Nursing, McKeesport Campus, Class of 2013


45. Have a "Bright" Christmas by McKeesport Family Center


46. Let it Snow by Auberle


47. Believe in Public Education by MASD Administration


48. Christmas Reflections by McKeesport Area High School National Honor Society


49. Christmas is ... By Carnegie Library of McKeesport


50. Red, White and Boo-Boo by McKeesport Ambulance Rescue Service


51. Tree of Life Habits by Propel School McKeesport


52. Silver Reflections by McKeesport Recreation Board

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Festival of Trees volunteers include coordinator Dee Connor, Nina Burkett, Pat and Maisie Carr, Michael and Nicole Cherepko, Frank and Charlene Graham, Cathy and Don Kuhns, Margaret Okeson, Fawn Walker-Montgomery, Ina Migliori, Eleanor Nogales, Bill Richards, Elsa Saxon and Joann Wakefield.

* Editor's Note: This article originally listed the trees that were in the printed program. Additional trees not listed in the printed program include:

58. Mon Yough (A.T.F.) Adult Training Facility
59. Happy Holidays from The Daily News
60. Happy Holidays by Y-I-STA (Youth Involved in Science, Technology, and the Arts)
61. Building a Better Community, One Hand at a Time by George Washington Elementary PTO
62. Chinese Celebration by Serra Catholic High School
63. Feliz Navidad by St Patrick CCD/Youth Group
64. St. Joseph Regional School
65. St. Angela Merici School

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