As an advocate for the traditional park system in Allentown, I was never a fan of Lights In The Parkway. However, after thirty years or so, we now have a second generation being taken on a drive through the park to see the lights.
Allentown just had its first ever Christmas tree lighting in the Rose Garden. Placed in the middle of the garden path, if a Christmas tree can ever be out of place, it must be this one. It clashes with the serenity of the winter garden. The tree was sponsored by Rose Garden Neighborhood Association, which claims to support Allentown's historic Malcolm W. Gross Rose Garden.
I wish that the mayor and park director had enough familiarity with our parks and their history to have politely declined the offer by the adjoining neighborhood group.
ADDENDUM: I've been informed that the Allentown Parknership has decided against my inclusion on their board. Today's post probably reaffirms their decision. Apparently, institutional knowledge of the traditional park system and expertise on the WPA structures have less value than I had hoped.
Don't beat yourself up, Mike... every dog has his day. As Gump would say "stupid is as stupid does"... This city is it's own worst enemy.
ReplyDeleteIf they don't want expertise, so be it... their and our loss.
I recall that for a year or two, a former mayor who came from Chicago decided to move the 4th of July fireworks celebration from ASD Stadium to Queen City Airport. That flopped for a number of reasons.
ReplyDeleteI don't recall Allentown ever having an annual "Christmas Tree", and given our current woke mayor, I'm suprised he is not calling it a "Holiday Tree" (you know, to show inclusivity). Looking at the photograph, the festival in which it was presented was not a well-attended event.
Now, I do like the idea of a city Christmas Tree, perhaps it needs a new location, like the historic Trout Hall, which could also be decorated for the holiday.
And perhaps the tree could be a bit larger, so people could actually notice it. And decorated with lights as well ?
The event was well attended by the sponsoring Neighborhood group. I chose this photo because it emphasized the mayor. Even in the three department store heydays, the Christmas decorations were mostly limited to the flashing holiday lights mounted on the Hamilton Street lamp posts, and the PPL display. If the city should have a Christmas tree is beyond my pay grade, however, I don't think that it should be in the Rose Garden.
DeleteJust one more thing the woke culture and it's fruitloops will destroy even further.
ReplyDeleteThe hipster mayor seems to believe that he is a character in his own Reality Television Show.
ReplyDeleteWe have had one in West Park for the past several years. It is placed on the stage of the closed band shell. As the park is rather dormant in the winter it adds some welcome holiday color. To my surprise it has never been vandalized. Matt came to our lighting, was welcomed as The Mayor and made some brief and kind comments about the WPCA. It was a good event.
ReplyDelete