Times Leader

What better way to start off the New Year than getting into a fitness routine? Penn State Wilkes-Barre offers a ‘Free Day of Fitness’ on Saturday at its Athletics and Recreation Building in Lehman Township from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details at 675-9259.

Local history hits the big screen when ‘Frances Slocum ... Child of Two Americas’ premieres at Movies 14 in downtown Wilkes-Barre this weekend. James Walker, Florence Howanitz (as Frances Slocum) and Jim Richardson star in the documentary film. Call 675-9269 for tickets.

Trolleys and trees make a delightful team at the annual Festival of Trees, going on now at the Electric City Trolley Museum in Scranton. Call 963-6590 for details.

THIS WEEK: DEC. 14 to 20, 2007

Festival of Trees, 7th annual exhibit with local organizations contributing creative holiday trees. Electric City Trolley Museum, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Through Jan. 5 with daily hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day. 963-6590.

Christmas at Longwood Gardens, the annual winter fantasy with thousands of poinsettias, amaryllis, narcissus, cyclamen and tulips inside the 4.5-acre heated conservatory along with elegantly decorated trees, outdoor gardens drenched with 500,000 lights and a variety of living wreaths. Also: ice-skating performances, a miniature railway, an Arctic playground, fountains dancing to holiday music, a wildlife tree with edible ornaments, topiary reindeer, choral and sing-along concerts, strolling carolers, the Yuletide Buffet and Breakfast with Santa. Longwood Gardens, Route 1, Kennett Square. Through Jan. 6, daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. $16, $14 seniors, $6 students. 610-388-1000 or longwoodgardens.org.

Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt, the annual German-style outdoor marketplace with aisles of handmade works by the artisans from throughout the United States along with live holiday music, liquid fireworks, authentic German and Austrian food, craft show, children’s rides and activities. Spring and Main streets in historic Bethlehem. Through Dec. 31 with hours Monday through Wednesday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 610-332-3378 or christkindlmarkt.org.

Miniature Memories, a model-railroad exhibit with replicas of local buildings in downtown Scranton and the region. Open to the public through Dec. 30 on Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 7:30 p.m.; Sundays through Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, 1325 East Drinker St., Dunmore. Free. 346-2829.

Christmas Candylane, the annual holiday celebration at Hersheypark in Hershey with a million twinkling lights and festive decorations adorning 34 selected amusement rides. Also: Santa and his nine reindeer, holiday music, ZooAmerica and the theatrical presentation “Home Sweet Home for Christmas” at the park’s Chevrolet Music Theater. Tonight, 5 to 10; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m. Continues through Dec. 31. 717-534-3090 or hersheypa.com.

Nay Aug Park Holiday Light Spectacular with more than 100 light displays depicting scenes and symbols of the season. Walk or drive through Nay Aug Park in Scranton nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 30. 348-4186.

Swetland Candlelight Tours. Wander through the rooms of this historic home from the summer kitchen to the Victorian parlor of the 1860s as guides tell stories of the Swetland family and midwinter holidays of past eras. With holiday treats, storytelling for children and Victorian origami decorations. Swetland Homestead, 885 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. Tonight and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. $7. 823-6244.

The Gift, the annual live Nativity production with more than 100 actors, musical and dance numbers, dramatic scenes, pyrotechnics and live farm animals and camels. Free hot chocolate and cookies. Back Mountain Harvest Assembly, 340 Carverton Road, Trucksville. Tonight and Saturday at 6 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 6 p.m. Free. Presented outdoors but indoor viewing is available. 696-1128.

Anthracite Model Railroad Club Open House, an HO-gauge layout with scale models of the Drifton Breaker, Eckley Miners Village, the Ashmore Yards, downtown Hazleton, Weatherly, the Gorge and town of Jim Thorpe, Thole Valley and Bethlehem Steel. Anthracite Model Railroad Club, 1057 Peace St. (Rear), Hazleton. Open Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, noon to 8 p.m. through Dec. 29. Also: Sunday, Dec. 30, 1 to 5 p.m. 579-8466 or amrsclub.org.

Polka and Modern Dance with music by Joe Stanky & the Cadets. Disabled American Veterans Hall, 516 Storrs Ave., Dickson City. Tonight, 7 to 11. 655-6076.

A Day of Fitness, an introduction to the facilities along with a complimentary workout at the Athletics and Recreation Building, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, off Old Route 115, Lehman. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 675-9259.

Hudson Model Railroad Club Open House, an 1800-square-foot operating HO layout with both steam and diesel eras and a model city with three trolleys. Also: two roundhouses and turntables, animated and sound scenes and a small layout for the kids to try their hand at running the trains. Gibbon and Martin streets, Hudson. Open Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. through Jan. 6. 561-9157 or 388-2619.

Frances Slocum: Child of Two Americas, an hour-long documentary about the young Wyoming Valley girl who was kidnapped by Delaware Indians. Co-produced and written by Penn State Wilkes-Barre faculty member Bill Bachman. Movies 14, 24 East Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre. Saturday at 7 p.m. (sold out) and 9 p.m.; Sunday at 3 and 7 p.m. 675-9269.

Polka Sunday with music by Joe Lastovica & Polka Punch. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, 403 Main St., Dupont. Sunday, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

It’s a Wonderful Life, the annual free screenings of the holiday classic film with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. Dietrich Theater, 60 East Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Tuesday at 2 and 7 p.m. Free. 996-1500.

Banding Together for Sara Mullay, a benefit with music by the Five Percent, 40-lb. Head, Steamroller Picnic and Lessen One along with food and a theme-basket raffle. Swoyersville American Legion, 259 Shoemaker St., Swoyersville. Wednesday, 6 to 10 p.m. $10. 287-2866.

One Laugh At Least, sketch comedy and improv from the originators of the YouTube sensation “Heynabonics,” Dec. 22 8:15 p.m., ODYSSEY Fitness, Wilkes-Barre. $12. ($10 for ODYSSEY members.) 829-2661 or [email protected] .

Polka Sunday with music by John Stevens & Doubleshot. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, 403 Main St., Dupont. Dec. 23, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Polka and Modern Dance with music by Jude’s Polka Band. Disabled American Veterans Hall, 516 Storrs Ave., Dickson City. Dec. 28, 7 to 11 p.m. 655-6076.

Polka Sunday with music by Stanky & the Coalminers. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, 403 Main St., Dupont. Dec. 30, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

First Night Scranton, the annual New Year’s family event with hundreds of artists, musicians, dancers and actors performing jazz, bluegrass, classical music, rock, African drumming and dancing, comedy and storytelling along with magic shows, children’s activities, hypnotists, Brain Show, bingo and puppet shows. Also: a People’s Procession at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at midnight. At 21 venues throughout downtown Scranton. Dec. 31, 6 to midnight. $8 advance, $12 after Dec. 25. 963-7576 or scrantontomorrow.org.

First Night Hazleton, the annual family New Year’s celebration with musical and theatrical performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice sculptures, outdoor interactive art projects, a life-sized version of the Candyland game, Brain Show Mania, live cooking demonstrations by Chef Lou and Jen Yemola, Art Walk, Punch and Judy Show, magicians, balloon artists, comedy, folk dancing and midnight fireworks. Scheduled performers include Jay Smar, the Pennsylvania Theater of the Performing Arts, Farmer’s Daughter, Ewabo, La Nota Casa de Danza, the Legends, Twelve Twenty-Four, Klingon Klez and Cartoon Johnny. Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m. to midnight at 10 venues in downtown Hazleton. Information at 459-4947 or firstnighthazleton.com.

First Night Bethlehem, a family-friendly, non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve celebration with musicians, storytellers, circus arts, community arts activities, snowman-building, ice show and public ice skating. Also: the People’s Procession at 11 p.m. and fireworks at 5:45 p.m. and midnight. Included: Burning Bridget Cleary, Cirque Des Amis, Craig Thatcher Band, Deb Callahan Band, Emerald City, Faith & Practice, Mama Jama, Silver & Brass Trombone Quartet, the Druckenmillers, the Electric Farm, the Lyric Consort, Zen for Primates and many more. At 15 venues in downtown Bethlehem. Dec. 31, 1 p.m. to midnight. $12, $15 after Dec. 23. 610-332-3378 or christmascity.org.

First Eve Celebration with music, a teen hang-out, bonfire, crafts, fun and games for children and a variety of food. Followed by a church service at 10 p.m. First Church of Christ, Deussen Drive, Bloomsburg. Dec. 31, 6 to 10 p.m. Free. 784-3740.

New Year’s Eve Party to benefit the Idetown Fire Company. With music by Shadowpass, buffet dinner, refreshments, snacks and party favors. Bring your own bottle. Idetown Fire Hall, Route 415 between Dallas and Harveys Lake. Dec. 31, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. $20. 574-0286 or 762-7933.

New Year’s Eve Meditation, Candlelight Ceremony and Celebration with Zazen meditation and instruction, walking meditation, a New Year’s address by Rev. Genro Milton Sensei, Buddhist chanting and striking of the gong, incense offering, music, tea, sweets and other foods. Endless Mountains Zendo, 104 Hollow Road, Stillwater. Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. 925-5077 or endlessmountainzendo.org.

The Great Outdoors Expo, 300 national and local exhibitors showcasing hunting gear, fresh and saltwater fishing tackle, boats, taxidermists, sportsmen’s organizations, biking, ATVs, automobiles, extreme sports and more. Riverfront Sports, 801 Providence Road, Scranton. Jan. 4, 2 to 8 p.m.; Jan. 5, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Jan. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $8, $4 seniors. 970-5600.

New England Contra Dance with music by the Warrington Family Band with caller Bob Nicholson. Church of Christ Uniting, 190 South Sprague St., Kingston. Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. $8, $20 per family. No partner or previous experience necessary. 333-4007.

Pennsylvania Farm Show with 10,000 competitive exhibits, 270 commercial exhibitors and 8000 animals. Included: the Sheep-to-Shawl contest, an emphasis on the state’s renewable energy efforts and foods of Pennsylvania. Farm Show Complex, 2301 Cameron St., Harrisburg. Jan. 5-11, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Jan. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 717-787-5373 or farmshow.state.pa.us.

WWE Wrestling Smackdown with Batista, the Undertaker, Kane, Rey Mysterio, MVP and the Great Khali along with CM Punk, John Morrison and Tommy Dreamer. Wachovia Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. $60, $40, $30, $25, $20. 693-4100 or ticketmaster.com.

Malanka, the 4th annual Ukrainian celebration with a Ukrainian and American dinner buffet, cash bar, dancing to the Ukrainian orchestra Fata Morgana, door prizes and a midnight champagne toast. St. Vladimir Parish Center, 430 North Seventh Ave., Scranton. Jan. 11, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. $40. Reservations: 822-5354 or 829-4202.

Mid-Winter Steam Excursion, a steam-powered train ride from Scranton to the annual Ice Harvest Demonstration in Tobyhanna where historic tools and equipment are used to gather blocks of ice from Mill Pond. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Jan. 19 with departure at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 3 p.m. $31, $26 seniors, $20 youths. Reservations: 340-5204.

Mardi Gras Celebration, 8th annual fundraiser sponsored by United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania. With music by Marko Marcinko and the Mardi Gras Jazz Band, traditional food, dancing, masks and beads, fortune tellers and gaming tables, a grand-prize vacation at Caesars Pocono Resorts, raffles and more. Proceeds support Angel’s Attic, a community food and clothing bank. Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, 700 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. Feb. 1, 6 to 10 p.m. 346-0759.

The Harlem Globetrotters, the basketball stars bring their 2008 “Magic as Ever Tour” to the Wachovia Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. $98, $40, $25, $15. 693-4100 or ticketmaster.com.

Professional Bull Riders Tour, a competition with 80 of the world’s best riders going head to head with notoriously nasty bulls. Wachovia Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Feb. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. $30, $20; $5 children. 970-7600 or wachoviaarena.com.