By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
It’s that most wonderful time of the year: the start of the holiday season. Pennsauken Township truly embraces the holidays with events that not only provide the perfect opportunity to come together as a community, but also remind residents about the importance of giving back. From holiday parades to angel trees, there’s something happening in Pennsauken that’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Marching Into The Holidays With A Parade
Pennsauken’s 35th annual Holiday Parade will kick off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28. Sponsored by Pennsauken Township and the Pennsauken-Merchantville Area Chamber of Commerce, the parade is filled with fire engines, holiday-themed floats, and musical entertainment. This annual favorite for the young and the young at heart runs along Westfield Ave., beginning at the Pennsauken Community Recreation Facility and ending at 44th St.
“The Holiday Parade is a great Pennsauken tradition,” says Pennsauken Mayor Rick Taylor. “It’s a great way for our residents to come together and kick off the start of the holiday season. It’s impossible to thank enough all of the sponsors and organizations that help make this wonderful event possible.”
For the third year in a row, students in Pennsauken schools are helping to design this year’s Holiday Parade poster. Students from grades 5 through 12 have submitting artwork based on the theme, “An Old-Fashioned Holiday.” Artwork will be judged by members of P.M.A.C.’s Holiday Parade Committee and the winning submission will be the centerpiece of this year’s poster.
The students who win first, second and third place will be invited with their parents/guardians and teachers to the P.M.A.C. luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The contest winners will be recognized at the luncheon by the steering committee and given awards and prizes from our local businesses.
The winning students will also be invited to participate in the Holiday Parade on Nov. 28.
Opportunities remain to help make the 35th Holiday Parade one to remember. Financial and in-kind donations from area businesses are still being accepted.
In addition, 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. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can visit the Township’s web site at twp.pennsauken.nj.us.
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. 5 at the PYAA Field House at Park and Elm streets. 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.
All tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, call (856) 665-1000 Ext. 151.
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, over 30 Pennsauken families were helped through the Angel Tree program; the initiative for 2015 plans to support the same number of families.
Individuals can purchase a new, unwrapped toy and leave it at the Pennsauken Township Municipal Building, Route 130 and Merchantville Avenue, under the tree from Nov. 30 through 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 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.
