News briefs: Penn Hills Holiday Light Cruise set for Dec. 3 to replace Holiday Light Festival

Penn Hills has canceled the municipality’s annual Holiday Light Festival because of the coronavirus pandemic restrictions. In its place, the municipality will host a Penn Hills Holiday Light Cruise. The event is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3 at the government center parking lot, 102 Duff Road.

People will be able to drive through the parking lot to observe holiday-themed decorations, lights and characters including Rudolph and Santa’s elves.

The event will include chances to win prizes. Parents must register by Nov. 25 for children to receive a free treat bag. There will also be a Stuff-a-Truck Toy Fundraiser. Participants must bring an unopened, unwrapped toy for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

The event is sponsored by Penn Hills Municipality and Penn Hills Rotary.

Holiday activities

• Letters to Santa: Participants are encouraged to mail a letter to Santa to 102 Duff Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Letters can also be emailed to santaclaus@pennhills.org. Include a name and address to receive a return letter from Santa.

• Lights display contest: Penn Hills residents are encouraged to participate in the contest for the best Christmas decorations in the municipality. To participate, call 412-798-2147 or email John at jscaglione@pennhills.org with your address. Judging will take place Dec. 14 to 18, and prizes will be awarded to the top three decorated homes.

• Breakfast with Santa: This year’s event will have Santa and his elves bring a to-go meal to your vehicle. The event will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 5 in the government center’s parking lot, 102 Duff Road. Participants must register by Dec. 1 to get a free meal that includes pancakes and sausage. Each registered child will also receive a Christmas goodie bag. Space is limited. To register, call 412-798-2147.

Parks closed

Parks and ball fields in Penn Hills, along with the restroom facilities at each, are closed for the season. Parks can still be used on a walk-in basis, however. The municipality reminded residents not to block park entrance gates.

2021 budget hearings

Penn Hills will hold budget hearings before adopting the 2021 spending plan. Those hearings are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 and 23 in council chambers, 102 Duff Road. Another meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 21, during which council will vote on a final budget.