WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Justin Topa, marketing manager at the Mohegan Sun Arena, on Wednesday said the arena is thrilled to collaborate with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live and local first responders to provide families with an opportunity to meet their local heroes in a fun and non-emergency setting.
“Children will have the chance to get their first up-close look at the Hot Wheels 5-Alarm monster truck alongside several emergency response vehicles that protect our communities every day,” Topa said. “We expect this event’s going to be an exciting way to foster appreciation for our heroes and the amazing work they’re doing within our communities.”
At Wednesday meeting of the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority, Topa added that he hopes the fire safety event will provide an opportunity to celebrate emergency responders while creating a comfortability with the vehicles they drive.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party is coming to Wilkes-Barre for the first time Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11, for three performances.
Show times are as follows:
• Saturday, Aug. 10 – 12:30 p.m./Power Smashers pre-show 10 a.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 10 – 7:30 p.m./Power Smashers pre-show 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 11 – 2:30 p.m./Power Smashers pre-show 12 p.m.
Topa said Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party brings fans’ favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life, including the all-new HW Skelesaurus and HW 5-Alarm! Plus, the legendary Bigfoot, Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker, and Gunkster Hot Wheels Monster Trucks!
Topa said the Glow Party production features a laser light show, spectacular theatrical effects, dance parties, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team and the electrifying high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Freestyle Motocross. Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a big value for the whole family.
Fire safety event
Before the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party begins at the Mohegan Sun Arena this weekend, event organizers have announced a free community fire safety event will take place on Friday, Aug. 9.
From 4 p.m. through 7 p.m., a free touch-a-truck event will allow children and truck enthusiasts the chance to see iconic vehicles up close before the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party officially kicks off its first performance on Saturday.
Local first responders will be on-site at the ASM Global-managed Mohegan Sun Arena to display a variety of emergency services vehicles alongside the brand-new Hot Wheels 5-Alarm monster truck.
The Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department Station 188 Fire & Rescue will display their Rescue and Ladder Engines, while the Ashley Rescue Hose Co. No. 1 will have the station’s water pumper on-hand at the event. ACT Towing will have two wreckers on site for a closer look, as well. A number of other emergency response vehicles are still being confirmed.
Topa said the Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department, led by Fire Chief Richard Hart, has been instrumental in organizing this community event.
“We hope this small gesture conveys our deep appreciation for the vital role they play in keeping our communities safe,” said Topa.
The Friday fire safety event is free-to-attend, but weather-dependent, so event organizers recommend that families keep an eye on the Mohegan Arena PA Facebook page in the event of any updates or cancellations caused by inclement weather.
Other business
In other business, the authority board:
• Approved replacing the exterior marquee board at a price not to exceed $260,000.
• Approved replacement of exterior light bulbs in the parking lot at a cost not to exceed $9,500.
• Approved the insurance for the arena building at a cost of $257,000 from The Hartford through Assured Partners.
• Approved a new economic impact study to be done by The Institute at a cost of $4,815. This will update a study done nine years ago to measure the impact that the arena has on the region’s economy.
• Approved purchase of a new kitchen smoker, folding chairs for a suite rental and folding tables for events.
• Discussed the Wilkes-Barre Township 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 24, followed by a full schedule of celebratory events, including a monument dedication.
Steve Poremba, ASM Global’s General Manager at the arena, said Wilkes-Barre Township Mayor Carl Kuren announced earlier this year that a committee was formed to oversee the special 250th-anniversary celebration this summer.
Township Police Chief Will Clark reported at a news conference in March that a parade leading township residents and dignitaries to the Mohegan Sun Arena would begin the festivities. Clark said food, games, live music and fireworks, the semiquincentennial celebration will take place outdoors, spread throughout the parking areas of the arena.
Entry will be free of charge for residents and visitors who wish to attend the community celebration.
• Also discussed the arena’s celebration of its 25th anniversary, set for Sept. 21. Donna Cupinski, board chair, announced “Sailing Through Time,” the 25th-anniversary community celebration that will feature the nautical-suited and captain’s-hat-clad band Yachtley Crew. Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski’s band — Eddie Day and TNT — will also perform at both the arena and township events.
• Announced the Penguins schedule has been released and the home opened will be Oct. 12.