Pennsauken Kicks Off Holiday Season With Parade, Family Events
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
The holiday season is almost upon us, and Pennsauken Township is ready to celebrate! Later this month, residents can look forward to the town’s annual parade, several community events, and the town’s annual initiative to help those in need during the holidays.
Pennsauken’s 41st Annual Holiday Parade On November 26
The 41st annual Pennsauken Holiday Parade marches down Westfield Ave. at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26. 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 Holiday Parade begins 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.
“There’s nothing like a parade to start off the holiday season, and Pennsauken has a great one lined up for the Saturday after Thanksgiving,” said Pennsauken Mayor Jessica Rafeh. “This is a great event for the whole family, and we really hope to see a lot of our residents there.”
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. Their involvement will go a long way to bringing joy and hope to Pennsauken families during this festive season.
For more information about the Holiday Parade, call (856) 665-1000, ext. 151 or email jvazquez@pennsauken.gov. You can also visit PennsaukenEvents.com and “Pennsauken Township Holiday Parade” on Facebook.
Tree Lighting Held On December 7
For the third year in a row, Pennsauken’s municipal complex will be aglow during the town’s Holiday Tree Lighting. Held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 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 Rafeh. “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 2022 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, Route 130 and Merchantville Ave., from Nov. 28 through 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. 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.
