Pittsburgh – One of the North Hills’ most popular holiday traditions, the Equitable Gas Festival of Lights presented by La Roche College and the Sisters of Divine Providence, will take place on Friday, Dec. 7, beginning at 3 p.m. The festival is hosted on the adjoining campuses of La Roche College and the Sisters of Divine Providence in McCandless Township. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

The festival will begin with a craft show from 3-8 p.m., and will include a variety of fun-filled events ranging from musical performances to visits from the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Parrot, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Steely McBeam, Equitable Gas Company’s Freddy the Flame and the La Roche College Redhawk. Evening events will kick off with a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. and the arrival of Santa, who will visit with children all evening. Children’s activities including games, crafts, and a moon bounce will be offered from 6-8:30 p.m. Former Pittsburgh Pirates All Star and World Series Champion Kent Tekulve will serve as master of ceremonies and sign autographs. KDKA-Radio’s Star 100.7 will host a live remote.

Other exciting events include a live nativity, ice carving and carriage rides. Music groups including the Urban Pathways Charter School Steelpan band, Sounds of Steel, the Choraleers, Teen Chorale and The Village Singers, all of Tri-County Choir; and Providence Heights Alpha School Student Band will perform. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show at 8:45 p.m.

“Equitable Gas continues to proudly sponsor this exciting family-friendly North Hills’ community tradition, our third year of partnering with La Roche College and the Sisters of Divine Providence,” said Bill Lucas, president of Equitable Gas. “It’s a wonderful celebration of the holiday season.”

To share in the holiday spirit, a special “Cans for Cocoa” food drive will take place during the festival. Guests are asked to bring canned goods or other nonperishable food items to donate to North Hills Community Outreach and the donations will be gathered by La Roche College student government members from 6-8 p.m. outside of the John J. Wright Library. Those who donate will receive a 12-ounce cup of cocoa for their generosity.

In addition to Equitable Gas, sponsors of the festival include Best Feeds Garden Centers, Fragasso Financial Advisors, Lowe’s Home Improvement, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Print Tech of Western Pennsylvania, Trib Total Media and Tutor Doctor.

For a schedule of events or more information, visit www.laroche.edu/festival or contact Colleen Ruefle, vice president for student life and dean of students at La Roche College at 412-536-1069 or Colleen.Ruefle@LaRoche.edu.

About La Roche College: A private, Catholic, co-educational college north of Pittsburgh founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche welcomes students of all religions, ethnic origins and talents. Undergraduates may choose from more than 50 majors, including the top 10 majors most in demand among today’s college students. La Roche combines a quality educational experience with clubs, athletics, social and community volunteer activities, spiritual well-being and more to prepare students for life in a constantly changing global society.