WILKES-BARRE - On Friday, July 23, Mayor Thomas M. Leighton and other city officials welcomed this year's group of Irish Teachers to Wilkes-Barre City Hall. 

"As the Mayor of Wilkes-Barre, I'm delighted to welcome the Irish Teachers to the city," said Mayor Leighton.  "I know some of this year's participants have been to Wilkes-Barre in years past, and we're proud to showcase the developments that have been made within the city since then. I hope this experience is as enjoyable for them as it has been for us."

The Irish Teachers program, now in its 37^th year, is hosted by King's College. Nineteen teachers are participating in this year's program, which offers the educators a chance to experience various American cultural and educational activities and programs over a three-week period, based in Wilkes-Barre.  King's College hosts educational seminars such as Distance Learning and the Contemporary Church in America, and the group meets with various local organizations such as the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Ladies' Ancient Order of Hibernians.  In addition to meeting with Mayor Leighton, the group will also speak with local officials in Washington, D.C., and will travel to Philadelphia, Lancaster, Gettysburg, and New York City.

For more information on the program, please contact King's College at  1.888.KINGS.PA

Come join us at the Farmers Market today, July 8, from 10am - 4pm in Public Square!

On Sunday, July 4, 2010, over 20,000 people gathered in beautiful Kirby Park to celebrate the 4th of July with the City of Wilkes-Barre.   

Throughout the day, food and craft vendors lined the main road through Kirby Park, and rides and games created an amusement park atmosphere in the grassy fields.  At 7:30pm, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic took to the stage on the Martz Amphitheater, playing patriotic favorites and leading the crowd that had gathered from all over Northeastern Pennsylvania in a rousing sing-along. 

At dusk, a spectacular fireworks display began, lasting over 20 minutes and wowing the crowd of onlookers.   

This event was proudly presented by the Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Martz Group, The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Price Chopper, and The Times Leader.

MAYOR LEIGHTON, CITY OF WILKES-BARRE TO PRESENT AN OLD FASHIONED 4^TH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN KIRBY PARK

THIS SUNDAY, JULY 4

WILKES-BARRE - Mayor Thomas M. Leighton invites residents from around Northeastern Pennsylvania to attend the City of Wilkes-Barre's annual Old Fashioned 4^th of July Celebration in Kirby Park, which will take place on Sunday, July 4, 2010.  This event is proudly presented by the Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Martz Group, The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Price Chopper, and The Times Leader.

"The City of Wilkes-Barre welcomes over twenty thousand people to Kirby Park for our Old Fashioned 4^th of July Celebration.  This year, we're proud to present dozens of vendors, amusement rides, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic with guest singer  Katie Williams, and of course, a fantastic fireworks display.  I look forward to seeing our residents and guests as we gather in Kirby Park to celebrate this Sunday," said Mayor Leighton.  

The July 4^th weekend will kick off on Friday, July 2nd from 6pm-10pm, followed by Saturday, July 3^rd from 6pm-10pm, with rides and amusements in the track area of Kirby Park.  These entertainments and more will be open to the public, and a special $5 coupon will run in the Times Leader, allowing access to all rides for a discounted rate.

On Sunday, July 4^th, the City of Wilkes-Barre will once again partner with the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA to host the 27^th Annual Bernie's Memorial July 4^th 3 Mile Walk/Run. The walk/run will begin on River Street and will continue through South Wilkes-Barre, ending at Public Square. There is also a kid's free run beginning at 8:30 a.m. from the corner of South Main and Ross Streets and ending at Public Square. The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the run at 9:10 am.  Residents and motorists in South Wilkes-Barre should be advised that from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. several streets in South Wilkes-Barre will be closed to accommodate the walk/run.

A variety of entertainment will be offered throughout the 4^th in Kirby Park.  At 12:00 noon, food and craft vendors, as well as rides, will open to the public.  At 7:30 p.m., the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic will perform on the Martz Amphitheater, featuring guest singer Katie Williams. This performance is proudly presented by the Martz Group.

At dusk, a fireworks display will light up the sky from Kirby Park. As always, the City of Wilkes-Barre is taking precautions to ensure that the park is a safe environment for those enjoying the 4^th of July Celebration.  Park-goers will not be permitted to enter a designated area of the park lined with orange snow fencing.  In addition, attendees will not be permitted to enter Kirby Park from the Black Diamond Bridge or Gateway Apartments entrance after 7:00 p.m.  Dogs will not be permitted in Kirby Park after 12:00 noon, and no strolling vendors are allowed within Kirby Park.  As always, alcoholic beverages and personal fireworks are prohibited.   

All events will take place, rain or shine. 

WILKES-BARRE - On Friday, June 25, 2010, at 10.30am, the Murray-Courtright smokestack was imploded. 

Controlled Demolition Incorporated, a sub-contractor for Stell Enterprises, managed the implosion, and all residents within a one-block radius of the implosion site were notified of its scheduling.  The expected disruption from the implosion was considered to be less than any of those from the current ongoing demolition. 

All steps were taken to contain any dust and debris that scattered during the implosion.  Environmental studies have been performed on the site by Environmental Abatement Associates, and all dust and debris is considered non-toxic. 

Demolition on the Murray-Courtright building began in May, and is expected to be completed by the end of July. The project is funded by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

WILKES-BARRE - Mayor Thomas M. Leighton announces that the 37^th season of the Wilkes-Barre Farmers' Market will open on Public Square at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2010.  The Farmers' Market, which is held every Thursday through November 18, will bring together many community groups through special programming and events.       

"The Farmers' Market is a downtown Wilkes-Barre tradition, bringing high-quality local produce to the area's residents and downtown workforce.  We are very excited to present the best farmers, food, and crafters, as well as local non-profit organizations, businesses and services," said Mayor Leighton. 

Opening Day festivities will begin at 11:45am on Thursday, June 24.  At that time, Mayor Leighton will officially open the market, with opening remarks followed by a performance by Windfall Enterprises.  The Penguins' mascot, Tux, will also be on hand to be acknowledged by Mayor Leighton for his tireless help in entertaining the residents of Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding area.

Chevy Pennsylvania will be running a shuttle service free of charge during opening day.  The shuttle will run from 10am to 4pm on a loop between the Luzerne County Courthouse and the two high rise apartment buildings downtown.

Each week, the city will hold free events for children and families in cooperation with organizations from the community.  In addition, the Music at the Market concert series will bring area bands to the Square at 12noon, proudly presented by Cross Valley Federal Credit Union, Geisinger Health Plan and the City of Wilkes-Barre.  A complete schedule is included with this document. 

For the second year in a row, Generation-2-Generation volunteers will be on hand, assisting seniors with their purchases.  Students and service groups will lend a hand bringing Market goods to seniors' vehicles, buses, and nearby apartment buildings.  Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can stop by the G2G tent located near the center of the Square.

This season, look for some new items to the Farmers' Market, including packaged coffee, candles, essential oils, handmade soaps, and more!  Farm fresh eggs will also be available beginning the second week of the season.

There is always something happening at the 2010 Farmer's Market!  Special programming, such as storytelling and nature displays, will take place in the grassy area on the Square located across from Luzerne Bank.

2010 Farmers' Market Schedule of Events

• June 25:  Opening Day featuring a welcome from Mayor Thomas M. Leighton (11:45am) and music by Windfall Enterprises ( 12noon)
•  July 1:  music by Flashback
• June 8:  Reading Day, music by Mother Nature's Son
• July 15:  Nature Discovery Day, featuring nature exploration activities, with music by Fender Bender
• July 22: Creative Arts Day, music by Somethin' Else
• July 29: music by Don Shappelle
• August 5: Children's Day, music by Windfall Enterprises
• August 12: Performing Arts Day - live dance, music, and more!
• August 19: Harvest Contest - enter your fruits, veggies, and buds - music by Sister Esther
• August 26: music by Tree Sap
• September 2: music by Flashback Band 
• September 9: music by Plus 3 
• September 16: music by Stanky and the Coalminers
• September 23: music by Farmer's Daughter
• September 30: music by John Steven's Doubleshot Band 
• October 7: music by Bare Knuckle
• October 14: music by Bees Knees

Farmers

This year's Farmers' Market will feature goods from the following farmers:  Harold Golomb, Brace's Orchard, Albert Broyan, Robert Ciravolo, Norman Darling and Sons, Dymond's Farm and Farm Markets; Dunn's Fruit Farm, Lori Yost Cotrone, Kessler's, Larry O'Malia, Martin J. O'Malia, Art Ryman, Burdick Creek, Covered Wagon Produce and Zimmerman Farms.