When the PPL building is lit up on Thanksgiving Eve, we all know the holidays have begun in the Lehigh Valley. The green glow of the 12-story-high Christmas tree and the red and golden candle on the opposite side are seen from East Allentown to as far as Salisbury Township. Did you know that the Christmas glow can’t begin until K&H does its special part to usher in this holiday tradition?
Many years ago, PPL started the popular display using light bulbs and a colored cellophane wrap in each window. Then came an 18-year hiatus until, in 1990, they decided to re-institute the holiday light tradition. They came to K&H for urgent help with the shades. Sandy Kuhns, president, remembers, “We were given only a few weeks to come up with the method for displaying the colors, making the shades and installing them.”
Originally, K&H used roller shades made of backlit awning fabric; now PPL has devised a special system of lights and a plexiglass casing to enhance the color of those roller shades. The entire process is computerized and set to turn on at a scheduled time each evening. The only catch? They still rely on people to remember to pull down their shades each night. Even shades not involved in the display must be pulled so they don’t disrupt the design! We are grateful for our part in this special Lehigh Valley holiday tradition and hope you enjoy it all during the holidays.
