Published January 14. 2025 12:56PM
The annual Peter Kearns Memorial Christmas Tree Toss returned to More Miles Automotive on Stefko Boulevard Dec. 14. A large crowd gathered despite the frigid temperature, to watch participants of all ages compete. Refreshments were offered, and a table of small toys was provided for children.
Santa Claus was present and distributed gifts to the children in attendance. The gifts were provided by the Bethlehem Police Department.
Awards were given for the longest throws by a man, a woman, and child. There was also a prize for the unique throw. The winners were: longest men’s throw-Chris Ross; longest women’s throw-Ann Shanley; longest children’s throw-Cole Sandt; and unique throw-Sean Kearns.
Members of Peter Kearns family came to compete, and to represent their family. The late Mr. Kearns once owned the Meineke across the street, and it was he, along with Mike DeCrosta of More Miles, who first initiated the tree toss. The toss is now sponsored by More Miles and Lehigh Valley Live.
The tree toss collected $2,200 in donations from the participants and the audience for Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley. Donations can still be made toturningpointlv.org/get-involved/donate/
PRESS PHOTOS BY LANI GOINSA crowd braves the frigid temperature to toss trees and cheer for the tossers.
Mike DeCrosta of More Miles Automotive opens the Peter Kearns Memorial Tree Toss.
Six-month-old Sampson, rescued by Sue Marek, tells Santa Claus what he wants for Christmas.
Young Carmine throws a tree with all his might.
Crystal Wacker of Lehigh Valley Live and her daughter, Dahlia, check out the kids’ table. Dahlia sports a pair of glittering glasses from the table.
Sean Kearns does pushups to prepare for tossing the tree. Sean, dressed in a kilt, was the winner of the newest category, “Unique Throw.”
Children gathered around Santa’s bag of toys donated by the Bethlehem Police Department.
Jake Lawrence represents the Bethlehem Police Department.
Mike Defrost of More Miles introduces the members of the Kearns family. The late Peter Kearns once owned the Meineke across the street. He, along with DeCrosta, initiated the tree toss.
