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 to 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 36^th annual Holiday Parade will kick off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26. 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 44^th St.

“The holidays are a great time of year, and the Holiday Parade is a wonderful tradition here in Pennsauken,” says Pennsauken Mayor John Kneib. “This parade is the perfect opportunity for our residents to come together as a community and celebrate the season of giving. It’s impossible to thank enough all of the sponsors and organizations that help make this wonderful event possible.”

Opportunities remain to help make the 36^th 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 e-mail pmac1team@gmail.com.

Tree Lighting Returns

For the first time in over a decade, Pennsauken Township will be holding a tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Township Municipal Complex, 5605 N. Crescent Blvd. Pennsauken-based designer Michael Bruce, owner of the award-winning Michael Bruce Florist, will be providing his assistance in decorating the evergreen tree outside of the Municipal Building. Financial support for the project is being provided by the Pennsauken-Merchantville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Several food trucks will be on hand for attendees to enjoy something to eat during the event, including Oink-N-Moo BBQ, Not Your Mama’s Tacos, Beast on the Street, Maninno’s Cannoli Express, and Dump-N-Roll. There will be performances of holiday music 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. There is no rain date for this event.

“We certainly hope that our residents come out for this new take on a popular seasonal event,” says Kneib. “We thank Michael Bruce for his invaluable help with the decoration of the Township’s tree, as well as the Pennsauken-Merchantville Area Chamber of Commerce for their financial support.”

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. 3 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.

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 2016 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 Ave., from Nov. 28 through 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19. 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.