x
Breaking News
More () »

Harrisburg mayor to host virtual tree lighting ceremony

The community-based project is intended to provide hope and unity while supporting small businesses and families in need.
Credit: TwinklyPRO

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A tree will be lit in Harrisburg to spread hope to the community in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

The 'Hope Tree' lighting takes place live on Facebook Thursday night at 7:30 pm. The tree will stay lit every night for the foreseeable future.

The community-based project is intended to provide hope and unity while supporting small businesses and families in need by raising donations to provide meals.

Christmas Decor donated their services to decorate the 55-foot tree. TwinklyPRO provided the 12,000 color-changing lights, which representatives told FOX43 will first start in red, white, and blue. 

"Obviously they're going to be red, white, and blue. That should be the first thing that we see. It will run about 6 to 7 different effects varying about every 30 seconds. But yeah, red, white, and blue will be the major theme throughout," said Brian Schreiner, director of operations at TwinklyPRO.

TwinklyPro representatives said their parent company is based in Italy, which has seen high death tolls from COVID-19. So, they said when this opportunity arose to help the community in Central Pennsylvania, they were eager to help.

"What better way to light up the skyline of the Central PA area than lighting up a 55-foot sycamore tree with 12,000 lights that you can make any color and any shape that you want," said Schreiner

The tree is located at the walking bridge near Walnut and Front Street in Harrisburg. Schreiner said the location is also perfect due to its proximity to first responders in our area, with Harrisburg's hospital, police department, and fire department all nearby.

'HOPE TREE' IN HARRISBURG

Just an hour from now you can watch Harrisburg light up a 'hope tree' live on facebook in an effort that will also help support local businesses and families. Brian Schreiner, director of operations at Twinkly-PRO, who donated thousands of lights to the cause spoke to me about it today! Read more here: https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/dauphin-county/harrisburg-mayor-to-host-virtual-tree-lighting-ceremony/521-830da6fe-e1bb-4903-b32b-f72910718c3e

Posted by Jamie Bittner on Thursday, April 2, 2020

“The tree will be a source of hope during these uncertain times,” said Mayor Papenfuse. “Just like the individual lights on the tree, our community shines brighter with the support of each other. I thank TwinklyPRO for their donation of the beautiful lights, and Christmas Décor for donating their services in decorating the tree.”

Senator John DiSanto applauds the project's vision and looks forward to the Facebook live event.

“I was glad to help identify a location for this tree lighting and to raise awareness of this effort to support our local small businesses and residents during this challenging time,” said Senator DiSanto. “The amount of generosity and initiative that is being demonstrated in our community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is remarkable.”

More information on The Harrisburg Hope Tree can be found at www.pahopetree.com.

Watch the 'Hope Tree Lighting"

WHERE: Live on facebook.com/thecityofhbg

WHEN: Thursday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Due to the Stay-at-Home order issued for Dauphin County, this is a live-streaming virtual event. The public is encouraged to visit the City's Facebook page to watch it live. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. d

Before You Leave, Check This Out