Published December 21. 2022 02:08PM
by Dana Grubb Special tot he Bethlehem Press
The South Bethlehem Historical Society formally turned on the lights for their annual ethnic Christmas trees in an afternoon program Dec. 4, with about 40 people in attendance.
This year the trees are located in the Banana Factory’s Crayola Gallery so that they are visible to both foot and vehicular traffic along West Third Street. Individual tree sponsors were recognized for the 12 decorated trees representing Slovenian and Windish, Polish, Ukrainian, African American, English, Latino, Moravian, Hungarian, Italian, Irish, German and American Christmas traditions.
Father Joseph Becker from St. Ursula Catholic Church said the Invocation and Benediction.
Singers from the from the Polish American Citizens’ Society of Allentown and Incarnation of Our Lord Church in Bethlehem sang several Polish carols in their native language
Frank Podleiszek led the traditional Christmas carol sing-along that ended with ‘Silent Night’ being sung in various native tongues and “I Wish You a Merry Christmas.’
Program chairperson Esther Lee emceed the ethnic tree lighting event. “Bethlehem is our home,” said Lee referencing the various groups represented by the trees.
SBHS president Maureen Dresen recognized sponsors for the various trees.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBB Under the direction of father David Kozak, singers from the Polish American Citizens Society and Incarnation of Our Lord Church sing Christmas songs in Polish.
This year's ethnic trees are on exhibit in the front windows of the Banana Factory's Crayola Gallery along West Third Street.
Long-time Historical Society member Frank Podleiszek leads attendees in a sing-along of traditional Christmas carols.
Bethlehem area resident Shirley Daluisio admires the decorations on the ethnic Christmas trees.
