Holidays, Season Of Giving Begin This Month In Pennsauken
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
After the Pennsauken community gives thanks on Nov. 22, the Township kicks off the holidays and the season of giving with a variety of annual traditions. From parades old and new to angel trees, there’s something happening in Pennsauken that’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Pennsauken Celebrates The Holidays With Annual Parade
Pennsauken’s 38th annual Holiday Parade is on Saturday, Nov. 24.
Pennsauken’s 38th annual Holiday Parade marches down Westfield Ave. at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. This perennial favorite for children of all ages features fire engines, holiday-themed floats, musical entertainment, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The Pennsauken Holiday Parade starts at the Pennsauken Community Recreation Facility on Bethel Ave. and ends at 44th St. Pennsauken families are invited to bundle up, set up along the parade route, and help little ones to scoop up a variety of candied favorites.
“Pennsauken’s Holiday Parade is a wonderful way for our community to come together to ring in a very special time of year,” says Pennsauken Mayor Jack Killion. “We warmly invite our families and neighbors to join us along Westfield Ave.
For the second year in a row, 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 Television” page.
Community groups are encouraged to participate in the parade. No contribution is too small and will go a long way to bringing joy and hope to Pennsauken families during this festive season.
For more information about the Holiday Parade, contact Pennsauken’s Parks and Recreation Department at (856) 665-1000, ext. 151 or emartz@twp.pennsauken.nj.us. You can also visit “Pennsauken Township Holiday Parade” on Facebook.
Tree Lighting Held On December 5
Pennsauken Township’s tree lighting ceremony returns on Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Township Municipal Complex, 5605 N. Crescent Blvd. The evergreen tree outside of the Municipal Building will be ornately decorated for the holidays; and several food trucks will be on hand for attendees to enjoy something to eat during the event. There will be costumed characters and Santa Claus will arrive via fire engine at 6:00 p.m. to light the tree. Residents are encouraged to bring their phones and cameras, as Santa will be available for photos with children after the tree lighting. A trackless train will shuttle attendees to visit Saint Nicholas. There is no rain date for this event.
“We’re excited to have the tree lighting return for a third year in a row,” says Killion. “Having Santa make an early visit to town via fire engine is a real treat for both the young and young at heart.”
For more information, call (856) 665-1000 x151.
Breakfast With Santa
Another annual tradition is for children to have an opportunity to join Santa Claus for breakfast, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 at the PYAA Field House at Park and Elm avenues. There will also be face painting, music, balloon sculpting and gifts. Tickets are $6 for children and $9 for adults. The event is sponsored in part by the Pennsauken Education Association.
“Families are treated to a great breakfast and plenty of holiday-related entertainment,” says Elwood Martz, director of Pennsauken’s Department of Parks and Recreation. “Kids also get a chance to sit on Santa’s lap and share their holiday wish lists.”
All tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, call (856) 665-1000 ext. 151.
Second Annual Parade Of Lights
The Township’s second annual Parade of Lights will be held on Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:00 p.m. Fire trucks, emergency service vehicles, and more will be decorated with bright lights and festive decorations as they ride along Park Ave., beginning at the Masonic Temple and running towards Browning Rd. via Chestnut Ave. In addition, Santa Claus is sure to make an appearance, riding a fire engine at the end of the parade, which should take roughly an hour from start to finish.
“Our inaugural parade was a great event, with last year’s snow making a perfect backdrop,” says Bill Orth, Pennsauken Township Committee. “We hope that the entire Pennsauken community joins us for this special holiday celebration.”
As with last year’s event, the Parade of Lights will be shared via Facebook Live on the “Pennsauken Television” Facebook page.
For more information, contact Elwood Martz at (856) 665-1000 x151 or emartz@twp.pennsauken.nj.us.
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 2018 hopes to support the same number of families.
“Each and every year, the Pennsauken community really steps up for the Angel Tree program,” says Martz. “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, Route 130 and Merchantville Ave., from Nov. 26 through 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated.
For more information or to volunteer for the Angel Tree program, contact Pennsauken’s Parks and Recreation Department at (856) 665-1000, ext. 151.
