Community Corner

Santa, Shopping and Football: Your Weekend

Also, burn off those Thanksgiving calories in a Turkey Trot, and enjoy a train exhibit at America on Wheels.

By Daryl Nerl and Mary Ellen Alu

The holiday season kicks into high gear this weekend, with Thanksgiving meals, Black Friday Shopping deals, likely Santa sightings, Small Business Saturday and championship football.

If you like football:

The Parkland High School Trojans are one of eight schools left in the PIAA Quad-A playoffs. On Saturday at 1 p.m., the 11-1 Trojans will see if they can continue on their postseason run in a quarterfinal matchup against the 11-3 Hawks of St. Joseph’s Prep, the Philadelphia city champions.

Though it is a neutral site game, Parkland may have an advantage since it is being played close to home—in Bethlehem—and on familiar territory—Frank Banko Field, where the Trojans defeated both Liberty and Freedom high schools in Lehigh Valley Conference play this season.

Parkland secured a spot in this game by crushing conference rival Easton, 42-0, in the District 11 championship game last week. (See images on Vlad Image Studio's site.) St. Joseph’s Prep won its first city title since 1977 two weeks ago, defeating Frankford 10-7.

If shopping is more your passion:

Black Friday starts early with regional malls and big retailers opening their doors on Thanksgiving. Here are some of the deals being offered.

Small Business Saturday. Patch is joining American Express in celebrating Small Business Saturday with a look at the people who shape our neighborhoods with their hard work.  Clover Hills Winery is among local businesses offering specials on Saturday in recognition of the day.

Also happening in the region this weekend:

Free Thanksgiving meal. Jordan United Church of Christ in South Whitehall is hosting a free community Thanksgiving meal on Thursday.

Holiday Train Exhibit. Enjoy the sights and sounds of model trains stationed around the galleries at America on Wheels in Allentown

Breakfast with Santa. The Parkland Area Kiwanis is hosting a Pancake breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. Saturday at Applebees, 1510 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., South Whitehall. You can get the $7 tickets at the door.

Burn off those turkey calories. The 11th annual Turkey Trot gets under way at 9 a.m. Saturday in Bethlehem. You can run, or walk. Register online or call 610-882-0450 ext. 10 for more information.






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