Good morning, Reading.

Nearly three years after the March 24 explosion at the RM Palmer chocolate factory, first responders from Spring Township and the Wyomissing Fire Department were honored Wednesday night for their rescue efforts during the tragic event—seven people died and multiple agencies collaborated to save lives.

Reading residents have a busy weekend with events—Walker Hayes sings today at 6:30 p.m. at the Santander Performing Arts Center, the Reading Blues Fest runs Friday through Sunday at the DoubleTree by Hilton with groups like Duke Robillard, and a holiday parade starts Saturday at 10 a.m. More local shows offer concerts, comedy, and family fun for neighbors.

A fire damaged homes in the 1500 block of Mulberry Street Tuesday night—neighbors helped each other escape—and fire officials are searching for the cause while the Red Cross assists three affected residents.

Concert lovers in the region will enjoy a busy week as Mayday Parade plays Friday at The Met and Couch takes the stage at Union Transfer, with Brandy and Monica performing Saturday at Boardwalk Hall.

Additional shows include Mo Lowda & the Humble at Union Transfer and Chiodos at Wind Creek Event Center on Saturday, Band of Skulls on Sunday, and Queensryche with Accept on Wednesday at Capital City Music Hall — a varied lineup that offers rock, pop, and metal for local fans.

A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland will bring the Irish holiday spirit to Reading on Friday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Santander Performing Arts Center—featuring high-energy tunes, heartfelt ballads, and world champion Irish dancers—promising a festive night of cultural entertainment.

Bern Township machinist Jarrad Jacobs operates a 1918 10-ton Case steam-powered roller at local festivals and hauls it with a 1965 Mack Truck—he plans to pass on his skills to his 15-year-old son to keep the vintage steam engine legacy alive.

He works at community events, showcasing a piece of local history and engineering tradition.

Volunteers at Alvernia University restocked Clare’s Cupboard today—an on-campus pantry that supplies food, toiletries, clothing, and school help to students in need using donations from fellow students and community partners like Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank.

The SOLAR Initiative stands for Support, Opportunity, Love, Access, and Resources and helps students get the support they need during their studies.

Fourth grade students from Lauer's Park Elementary School went on a field trip on Wednesday to a Habitat for Humanity construction site to learn about architecture and building concepts.

Teacher Mark Steinmeyer and architect Lee Olsen led hands-on projects—teaching students how different shapes and sizes build a house—while the course continues to offer new projects.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has scheduled four in-person hearings—Dec.

8 at Scranton University Brennan Hall, Dec. 9 at Catasauqua Municipal Building, Dec. 10 at the Keystone Building in Harrisburg and Dec. 11 at the Lancaster public library—and two telephone hearings on Dec. 15 to gather public input on PPL Electric Utilities’ proposed 7% residential rate increase that may raise a typical monthly bill. Participants must register for the telephone sessions by Dec. 11 and submit exhibits by noon on Dec. 5 for in-person hearings and by noon on Dec. 12 for telephone hearings.

Alabama Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets starting at $46 — Catch Alabama live in Reading, PA for an unforgettable night of music.

Hockey Showdown: Reading Royals vs. Wheeling Nailers

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Enjoy an exciting night of East Coast Hockey League action as the Royals face off against the Nailers.

Reading Blues Fest Day Pass

1-5 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading — Check website for ticket details — Experience the soulful sounds of blues legends Kevin Burt and The Three Kings.

10th Annual Boyertown Turkey Trot

9 a.m.-1 p.m. — Boyertown Community Park — Cost not specified — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun 5k run in Boyertown's scenic community park.

The Leaders of Humor and Love

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with the acclaimed comedic duo Raymond & Miguel as they bring their celebrated tour to Reading.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight

8-9:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Event rate parking available — Experience legendary rock and metal reimagined with classical elegance in a stunning gothic atmosphere.

Reading Royals vs. Wheeling Nailers Hockey Game

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Group tickets starting at $10 with food add-ons — Experience an exciting night of hockey with affordable group options.

Reading Royals vs. Worcester Railers

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Group Tickets starting at $10 — Enjoy an exciting hockey match and tasty treats with your crew.

Kuarantine - KISS Tribute with Chris Jericho

7-9:30 p.m. — Nightclub Reverb — $25 ADV | $30 DOS — Experience the world’s best non-makeup KISS cover band with a rock n roll party featuring Chris Jericho.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a beloved holiday classic brought to life on stage in Reading.