A chilly evening did not stop Toms River residents and their families from celebrating the holidays in the courtyard of the Ocean County Library and Town Hall.
On Dec. 7, the annual Toms River Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony brought together children, adults and township officials.
The evening started off with a performance provided by Donovan Catholic High School’s Chorus. The group went on to sing ‘a cappella’. There was also a magician named ‘The Amazing V’ who preformed on the steps of the Ocean County Library to entertain the crowd.
Next ‘The Applaud our Kids Foundation’ had four teens preform individually. Each would go on to sing their rendition of Christmas songs. Toms River High School South’s Choir preformed for the audience Christmas carols and holidays songs.
Mrs. Claus read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the children that gathered around her and to the audience. To cap the festivities off with a bang Santa Claus was brought to the Christmas Tree Lighting in a fire truck by Toms River Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. He along with several children would go on to turn the switch that lit the tree that stands in the courtyard.
The tree, which is about 45 feet tall, and is a permanent one that stands on township property. Employees from the Toms River Township Buildings & Grounds Department decorated the tree with lights the week leading up to the evening event.
The Toms River Township Business Improvement District Marketing Director, Kim Dippolito, said the tree will stay lit every night until the new year.
“This is just absolutely beautiful. The people that are here are friendly and saying hello. This is what Christmas is all about. It is not going to the store and buying the gifts, it is about being together and sharing,” Toms River resident Linda Illiano said.
Illiano said this is her family’s first time at the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. She moved to Toms River in July with her family.
“It is important to have an event like this because it makes children truly see what Christmas is about. That it is not about Santa bringing presents in,” Illiano said.
Holly Swenson is another Toms River resident who attended the ceremony.
“My daughter is actually in the Toms River South choir. We have been coming to this event for years. My favorite part tonight is watching my daughter sing. Tonight just brings everyone together, even if it is just for one day. Everyone seems excited and happy with everything going on,” Swenson said.
Kathleen Vandyke of Toms River was out with her family as well for their first time at the Christmas Tree Lighting.
“A family event like this brings the spirit of Christmas to your heart. It is really nice to see the families with the little ones. It is absolutely wonderful having an event like this. Not everyone can get to New York City to see the tree lighting so this is great. I just love this time of year,” Vandyke said.
