By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Pennsauken Township is ready to kick off the most festive time of the year. Residents can look forward to Pennsauken’s Holiday Parade, several community events, and the town’s annual initiative to help those in need during the holidays.
Pennsauken’s 42nd Annual Holiday Parade On November 25
The 42nd annual Pennsauken Holiday Parade marches down Westfield Ave. at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25. This perennial family favorite features fire engines, holiday-themed floats, musical entertainment, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The Holiday Parade begins at the Pennsauken Community Recreation Facility on Bethel Ave. and ends at 44th St. Pennsauken residents are invited to bundle up, set up along the parade route, and help their little ones scoop up a variety of candied favorites.
“Our municipal staff and first responders are hard at work to make sure that the Pennsauken Holiday Parade is a fun and safe event for all of our families,” said Pennsauken Mayor Vince Martinez. “We invite our residents and neighboring communities to join us as we ring in the holidays along Westfield Ave.”
Pennsauken natives who have moved out of the area and others unable to attend can watch streaming video of the Holiday Parade via Facebook Live on the “Pennsauken” page.
Tree Lighting Held On December 6
For the fourth year in a row, Pennsauken’s municipal complex will be aglow during the town’s Holiday Tree Lighting. Held on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., residents will be able to stroll through a holiday light display at the Township’s Municipal Building Complex, 5605 N. Crescent Blvd.
“Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their friends will once again help us light the tree for the holidays,” said Mayor Martinez. “Afterwards, they’ll be greeting residents who stop by to enjoy a fun and entertaining light display.”
Santa Claus will arrive via fire truck, courtesy of the Pennsauken Township Fire Department. From there, Jolly Ole’ Saint Nicholas will join Township officials and some other special friends to officially light the Township’s evergreen tree for the holiday season.
“We have a variety of activities planned throughout the event,” added Vazquez. “You’ll be able to take photos with holiday characters, make a tasty purchase from several food trucks, and enjoy your favorite holiday songs.”
In addition, children who want their letters to Santa delivered to the North Pole can drop them off that evening in a special mailbox set up on site. Mr. Claus will read some of these notes in a special video that will be shared later in the month on Pennsauken Television’s YouTube channel and via social media.
The Township will also be accepting new, unwrapped toys during that time for the annual Angel Tree program, which helps local families in need during the holidays.
Angel Tree Program
Once again, Pennsauken residents and businesses are preparing to pitch in to help children in the community during the holiday season through the Angel Tree program.
Last year, dozens of Pennsauken families were helped through the Angel Tree program; the initiative for 2023 hopes to support the same number of families.
“Each and every year, the Pennsauken community really steps up for the Angel Tree program,” said Vazquez. “A lot of residents, businesses, and organizations are extremely generous with a variety of donations.”
Individuals can purchase a new, unwrapped toy and leave it at the Pennsauken Township Municipal Building, Rt. 130 and Merchantville Ave., from Monday, Nov. 27, through 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated.
For more information, or to volunteer for the Angel Tree program, call (856) 665-1000, ext. 151 or email jvazquez@pennsauken.gov.
