Politics & Government

Tree Lightings Scheduled for Friday in Manchester, Lakehurst

Both municipalities will turn on the lights Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.

and will usher in the holiday spirit when each municipality holds its tree lighting ceremony this Friday.

Both municipalities will light their trees at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9. Manchester will light its tree at the municipal complex on Colonial Drive; Lakehurst will turn on the power to its tree at the community center located on Center Street. 

"We try to run these little community events to keep the holiday spirit alive and keep the people involved with the township," said Cassandra Colgate, Manchester's Department of Recreation office manager. 

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Band members from will perform holiday standards, resident and PTA member Sheryl Claus will strum her guitar, and Cub Scout Pack 44 will help with the ceremonies. Members from the township council are also expected at the ceremony.

But the night's biggest guest is none other than Santa himself, who will be transported to the tree by the Manchester Volunteer Fire Company.

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Following Santa's arrival, children are invited to have their photo taken with the jolly one in the civic center located below the courtroom in the municipal complex.

"I just hope that everyone comes out and have a good time," Colgate said. 

Donations of snacks and supplies were given by Crestwood Family Restaurant, Crestwood Manor, La Bove Grande, Manchester Manor, Pines at Whiting and Whiting Health Care, Colgate said. 

In Lakehurst, the downtown will be decorated in preparation for the tree lighting, said clerk Bernadette Dugan in a statement. Once the tree at the community center is illuminated, families are invited into the building to visit with Santa, who is expected to arrive thanks to the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Department.

"Parents, be sure to bring a camera to capture your child’s special moment with Santa Claus," Dugan said. 

The borough's Historical Society Museum, located across the street from the community center, will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. Decorations and antique toys will be on display there, Dugan said. 


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