Published December 19. 2023 10:42AM
by Dana Grubb Special to the Bethlehem Press
The South Bethlehem Historical Society held its 32nd annual ethnic Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Crayola Gallery at the Banana Factory Dec. 1. SBHS board member Lou James welcomed attendees. “These lighted trees provide hope, remind us of our history, and brighten our holidays.” Donegan ES student Isaiah did the honor of turning the tree lights on.
A short caroling session was led by one time SBHS board member Frank Podleiszek, which finished with participants singing “Silent Night” in any language they were familiar with.
Bethlehem Township resident Shirley Daluisio decorated the Slovenian tree. “It helps me renew my Windish roots as I remember two sets of grandparents who came to America before World War I,” said Daluisio.
The 13 trees are representative of the many ethnic groups who settled in Bethlehem during the early to mid 20th Century.
The trees may be viewed in the Crayola Gallery during regular hours Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will be on display through Jan. 2, 2024.
Bethlehem Township resident Shirley Daluisio admires the Latino Christmas tree at the lighting ceremony.
As ethnic tree program emcee and SBHS board member Lou James sings along, Frank Podleiszek leads attendees in singing Christmas carols.
The Reverend Jack Steltzer from Rosemont Lutheran Church says an invocation before the official lighting.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBB Trees fill Crayola Gallery windows fronting on West Third Street.
A boldly decorated Mexican Christmas tree was one of the highlights of this year's exhibit.
