Coplay officially rings in the 2013 Christmas season this evening with its annual tree lighting ceremony.

The event takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the municipal building at Fourth and Center streets.

After the tree is lit, Santa will arrive on a borough fire truck to greet children and parents.

The program will then move indoors to the auditorium for a holiday concert by the Whitehall High School chorale. The event is free and open to the public.

Throughout the evening, hot chocolate and doughnuts will be served.

Santa will pay another visit to the borough noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the fire station located at Cherry Street.

Children attending this event will receive a free gift. Parents are encouraged to bring a camera to take photos of their children with Santa.

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Borough Public Works Department has recently been commended for making repairs to storm water basins and cleaning debris and leaves from the inlets.

Materials accumulate during heavy rains, causing drainage problems.

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Vehicles are no longer backed up at the Giant gas station on Cherry Street due to employees guiding the motorists onto the blacktop and into the pump lines.

While the new practice has reduced congestion, some patrons said they hope Giant will also improve the entrance and exit at the food store.

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The borough is seeking applications for a vacancy on the zoning hearing board of adjustment. The board meets on an as-needed basis after a property owner files an appeal.

An opening also exists on the Coplay Public Library Board.

Applications for both positions are being accepted at the borough office or via the borough website.