LAKEHURST – A brightly lit tree, some comments from Mayor Harry Robbins and this year’s Citizen of the Year, the arrival of a familiar yuletide figure, loads of delicious cookies and hot chocolate all made for a festive Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.
The Borough Community Center was decorated with care, the fireplace was lit and ready for Santa Claus’s arrival and the tree had all its holiday light bulbs ready to be lit. There was a chill in the air but the holiday spirit made up for that as residents of Lakehurst both young and old came out for a very festive event.
Mayor Robbins welcomed everyone to the event and extended his wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season to everyone. “We have our citizen of the year, (Bruce Margeson). For our 100th anniversary, Bruce went around and knocked on every door of every business here in town and he got donations so we could have a very nice celebration for our 100th birthday.”
Margeson was joined by his wife Anne. By tradition, the recipient of the Lakehurst Citizen of the Year has the duty and honor of throwing the switch to activate lights of the tree which is held just prior to Santa Claus’s arrival.
Pastor Owen Alston of the Harmony Ministries Church in Lakehurst gave the invocation for the event. He extended a blessed holiday full of giving, kindness and happiness for all.
Everyone cheered as the tree lit up and a few passing cars even beeped their horns in approval.
Santa flew in from the North Pole and parked his sleigh and reindeer at the nearby borough firehouse where he caught a lift from a firetruck to arrive near the Community Center.
“Here he is, Santa is on the fire department’s truck,” the mayor remarked to the excitement of the children present.
“Have you all been good this year?” Santa asked some of the children present in front of the now-lit Christmas tree. Kris Kringle stopped for a moment to admire the tree before entering the Community Center.
“Come on inside Santa, it’s a lot warmer in here,” the mayor told him.
Little Grady Ciccio could have passed for one of Santa Claus’s elves but he’s actually a year and a half old and a resident of Bayville. He’s a frequent visitor to Lakehurst and during this trip, he stole the show as he ran around the Borough Community Center prior to Santa’s arrival.
He was clearly enjoying the borough sponsored event and he did have a chat with Santa (though it may have been a bit one sided). Afterwards, Santa enjoyed sitting by the fireplace set up near the stage in the community center that also featured an interior Christmas tree.
Borough Clerk Maryanne Capasso was joined by some fellow volunteers in spreading some delicious and colorful cookies for the occasion along with cups of hot chocolate which helped add to the festive atmosphere of the event.
