TOMS RIVER – The large tree on the corner of Hooper Avenue and Washington Street was again the center of attention at the annual county Christmas tree lighting.
The program paperwork, which wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Joyous Kwanzaa, declared that the tree was a 41-foot tall Colorado spruce with 2,000 energy efficient LED bulbs.
The tree was lit by two children pressing a large button. They were the grandchildren of Freeholder John Bartlett, who shared that their diverse family is symbolic of people gathering together at Christmas.
The children have grandparents who are Muslim, Jewish, Roman Catholic and Protestant.
“It’s a season for all people,” he said.
The Silver Bay Elementary School chorus wore elf hats and sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and several other classics.
After the ceremony, the crowd entered the Administration Building for cookies prepared by the Ocean County Vocational Technical School students and apple cider donated by Mana Cafe.
