Support Wilkes-Barre Metro
Donate Today
Make a donation today to help preserve our history, underwrite quality economic development, help embrace and create art and architecture, and preserve our history!
Save Mr. Peanut
Wilkes Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation stopped the demolition of the former corporate headquarters of Planters Peanuts and now wants to preserve the history!
WBWE 97.5 FM
The money you donate today will help underwrite the operations of the non-profit radio station on the FM channel 97.5 using a low power FM license awarded by the FCC to benefit the community covering Wilkes Barre, PA.
Latest News and Updates
2025 PA Polkafest Coming to Keystone Ballroom- Mohegan PA! Huge Success! Sold Event Record Crowd!
The 2025 Pennsylvania Polkafest, held on Saturday, April 5 at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Keystone Grand Ballroom, was nothing short of a sold-out triumph! With every seat filled and the dance floor alive with energy, the event proved once again why it stands as one of Northeast PA’s most anticipated cultural celebrations. Presented by Mrs. T’s Pierogies and The Times Leader, this year’s festival reached new heights in entertainment, attendance, and community spirit.
From the moment doors opened, guests were treated to a vibrant evening of music, dancing, and heritage, headlined by none other than 18-time GRAMMY Award winner and Polka King, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra. The excitement only grew as the GRAMMY-nominated Polka Family Band lit up the stage with their trademark high-energy performance, keeping the crowd on their feet all night long.
Sponsored by the Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation, this year’s Polkafest drew fans from across the region and beyond, blending generations of polka enthusiasts with newcomers experiencing the joyful tradition for the first time. Reserved tables and general admission sold out days in advance, proving that the spirit of polka is stronger than ever.
For those who couldn’t attend in person, Service Electric Cable TV recorded the celebration for a special upcoming broadcast, ensuring that the energy and excitement can be shared with even more fans at home.
Thank you to our sponsors, performers, and the amazing crowd who made this a night to remember. The 2025 Pennsylvania Polkafest wasn’t just an event—it was a movement of music, culture, and community that brought Wilkes-Barre to life. We can’t wait to polka with you again next year!
Celebrating the Life of Bill Kelly!
On April 13th, 2025, the ballroom at Genetti’s in Wilkes-Barre was filled to capacity with fans, friends, and fellow musicians for a sold-out tribute concert celebrating the life and legacy of Bill Kelly—the beloved Wyoming Valley native and frontman of The Buoys. The event, presented by the Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation, delivered a heartfelt and unforgettable evening, honoring the incredible journey of a man whose voice, spirit, and songs touched millions.
From the local music halls of Northeast PA to the iconic stage of Madison Square Garden, Bill Kelly’s career was nothing short of remarkable. His haunting vocals on the 1971 hit “Timothy” took the band to #17 on the Billboard charts, and his path would eventually cross with some of the biggest names in rock, including a tour alongside Queen. On this special night, the music returned to where it all began.
The celebration featured emotional live performances, intimate stories, and surprise guest appearances from musicians and friends who shared Bill’s journey through the decades. Each tribute painted a vivid portrait of a man whose artistry helped shape the sound of an era—and whose roots in the Wyoming Valley never faded.
The outpouring of love and admiration was undeniable as the audience sang along, laughed, and shed tears in remembrance of a true local icon. From standing ovations to quiet moments of reflection, every part of the evening spoke to the impact Bill had—not just as a performer, but as a person.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Bill Kelly Tribute Concert a historic success. In selling out and selling strong, this event proved that Bill’s legacy is not only remembered—it continues to inspire. His music lives on, and so does his place in the heart of our community.
On Location: Revisited films bring back memories of iconic NEPA places
Thom Greco (CEO of WB METRO), Former Managing Partner at The Woodlands Inn & Resort, played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a premier nightlife destination in Northeastern Pennsylvania. His collaboration with the Kornfeld family and contributions to the nightclub’s development, alongside lighting legend Eric Brown, helped establish The Woodlands as the “Studio 54 of Northeastern Pennsylvania.” The forthcoming film “On Location: Revisited: The 25th Hour: Reflections From a Mirror Ball” highlights Greco’s influence and the venue’s legacy, underscoring its impact on the regional entertainment scene
Read Full Article Now at Times Leader: https://www.timesleader.com/news/1665820/on-location-revisited-films-bring-back-memories-of-iconic-nepa-places
Wilkes-Barre Metro Film Office Leading Expansion of Industry in NEPA!
Wilkes-Scarre Weekend 2025
Get ready for the spookiest event of the year! “Wilkes-Scarre” Weekend is set to be the hottest Halloween celebration in downtown Wilkes-Barre, PA. Enjoy family events, costume contests, ghost tours, and hottest nightlife! Highlights include the spectacular Halloween Parties, and annual Zombie Crawl! Dates, sponsors and specific events for 2025 already planned!
WILKES BARRE METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 501 (C) 3
Wilkes Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation (Wilkes Barre Metro) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit recognized and registered with the IRS with all donations being tax deductible in accordance with your accountant.
Wilkes Barre Metro undertakes voluntary endeavors to create economic growth, to host events for the community celebrating the legacy of individuals, to embrace historic influencers and to preserve the historic architecture of our area.
Wilkes Barre Metro’s executive board oversees endeavors that are supported by advisory boards that have direct oversight for certain areas of our mission.
A Low Power FM radio license was granted a construction permit and Wilkes Barre Metro was recognized by the FCC as a worthy community non-profit to award such a license. WBWE LPFM was put on the air located at 97.5 FM for the Wilkes Barre community. The radio station also celebrates the inventor of radio by Wilkes Barre’s own, Father Joseph Murgas.
Wilkes Barre Metro’s Film Office works with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other statewide film offices to help promote the growth and jobs created in the film industry working directly with major producers and studios from Hollywood to New York City and also assists many smaller film producers. Wilkes Barre has deep roots in the movie industry. The Mankiewicz family – pioneers in the Hollywood movie industry as screenwriters and producers have a family connection to Wilkes Barre – especially Joseph L. Mankiwicz being born in Wilkes Barre. Jack Palance, a Hollywood favorite, was born, raised and maintained a home in the Wilkes Barre area. Lyman H. Howe a pioneer in movie production maintained his studios and mansion on Riverside Drive in Wilkes Barre.
Projects like Planters Peanuts have been sustained by Wilkes Barre Metro’s perseverance, interest and endeavors for preserving the historic significance of Mario Peruzzi and Amedeo Obici – owners and founders of Planters Peanut and Chocolate Company. Wilkes Barre Meto continues to look for support for obtaining ownership of the original corporate offices of Planters Peanuts on South Main Street to create a museum and contribute a landmark to help tourism.
Other projects that Wilkes Barre Metro has continued to promote and will continue to pursue investment and growth in an advanced digital broadband network with fiber optics including the network support of a data center on the core twenty block grid within the City of Wilkes Barre through abandoned city steam pipes, manholes, and central office. Additionally, the unique location of a Wilkes Barre Metro building is located directly above flooded abandoned coal mines make a feedstock for Rare Earth Elements while clarifying Acid Mine Drainage.
With the Covid pandemic, WB Metro has taken the lead in educating and training various segments of the economy to preserve jobs and helping our area as well technically supporting on a national level with the rollout of CovidSafe(TM) training and certifications with Ready Training Online – view more on COVIDSAFE.US.
