JACKSON – It was a weekend of holiday fun, bright lights, cheer and song as the township welcomed in the yuletide season with two special events.
The community Christmas tree lit up brightly at the Jackson Township Municipal Building during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The event of course featured a visit from Santa Claus.
There was plenty of holiday music performed to help kick off the season as well as costumed characters who greeted young attendees. The Santa meet-and-greet was a big attraction which allowed for parents to capture memorable photos of their children with Kris Kringle. Volunteers were on hand to assist.
After Santa’s visit, attendees enjoyed musical performances by the Jackson Baptist Church Choir and entertainment from DJ J Pro, providing continuous music as crowds came out for the festive event.
The township’s Department of Public Works prepared the display area with decorations and lighting elements throughout the week to ensure the grounds would be ready and its Recreation Division staff made sure everything went well.
Mayor Jennifer Kuhn and members of the Township Council came out for the activity to welcome in the season.
Another holiday tradition, the two-day Toyland event drew record crowds of children and adults to the Senior Center on Don Connor Boulevard.
The center’s director, Kate Slisky, couldn’t have been happier to see the large turnout. She noted that in many ways the event is not only a family tradition for many in the community but it is an event involving many family members who put the program on each year. Last year Slisky’s granddaughter Olivia took part providing the character of Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen” and she returned to play that part again this year.
Slisky’s husband had a lot to do with making sure Santa Claus made it from the North Pole to Toyland and the elaborately decorated area where children receive their free teddy bear and meet the big guy dressed in red. “He looks forward to this every year.”
Santa told The Jackson Times, “All the kids have been good. Not a naughty one around.”
For more than two decades children and adults have enjoyed their journey through Toyland which is transformed into multiple holiday themed rooms featuring various costumed characters and backdrops. Several thousand visitors toured Toyland this year which is a joint effort by the Salvation Army, senior center staff and around 100 volunteers including township high school students.
For resident KadaJah Downer and her daughters Lay, who is a third grader and Mahlia, who is in kindergarten it is an event not to be missed. “It has been three years so far. We love it. Very nice. Very detailed. I love what they do here. Merry Christmas.”
The Salvation Army provides the free teddy bears that the children receive while members of the center’s Crochet Club create outfits for the bears that can be purchased. Volunteers provide the children cookies and juice. “The cost is free and parents are giving their child the ability to experience all of this. You can’t get this at the mall,” the director stressed.
“They actually dressed 700 teddy bears,” Slisky said of the senior volunteers. “All our yarn is donated and they make it work.”
Kristine Jackson is the center’s recreation coordinator and main coordinator. She was busy inflating some inflatable antlers and is the. “This is basically her brainchild. She is the power behind all this. I just follow,” Slisky said.
Jackson’s parents, Mike and Sue Lositio are also part of the event. Her dad was cooking up some hot dogs in the kitchen for volunteers. “That included Santa. I don’t want to get on his naughty list,” Mike Lositio said.
Jackson’s mom who is the center’s ceramic instructor was working in the craft room. “During setup Sue and Mike were here every day,” Slisky added.
Eshal Hadi, a Jackson High School freshman is a member of the interact club who was dressed as elf and facepainting young people like 7-year-old Addison Applegate.
Slisky also noted a “Toy Story” surprise with a heartwarming twist. “While dismantling our Toy Story set, Kristine Jackson discovered a surprise deposit – 88 cents tucked into Hamm the piggy bank! One of our visitors made a real contribution to Hamm’s savings. It gave the team a good chuckle and reminded us how much joy and engagement our sets bring to visitors.”
“In true holiday spirit, we donated Hamm’s unexpected “savings” to our Salvation Army collection. What started as a lighthearted moment turned into a meaningful gesture – a small act of generosity that perfectly captured the season’s warmth,” she added.
At a recent Township Council meeting, Councilman Nino Borrelli announced that the township’s annual Menorah Lighting would be held on December 15 starting at 4:40 p.m. at the town hall complex.
