A cold, light drizzle didn’t stop many Fanwoodians from attending this year’s holiday celebration and tree lighting on the North Avenue lawn of the old train station.
Mayor Colleen Mahr and members of the Borough Council hosted several hundred visitors who stood in line to see Santa, enjoy coffee and cookies, a petting zoo, Christmas carols and the lighting of the old Norway Spruce.
The annual event, organized by the Fanwood Recreation Commission, featured Santa under the awning and out of the rain hearing children’s Christmas wishes. The Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Chorus serenaded guests with holiday carols under a tent. The petting zoo, a recent addition to this event, was also held under a tent.
Mayor Mahr was on hand to countdown to the tree lighting along with Council members Jeff Banks, Gina Berry, Erin McElroy Barker and Trisha Walsh. Recreation Director Bob Budiansky checked in those who had registered to see Santa making for a very organized event.
Here are the lucky winners of the counting contests:
Chocolate Coins Counting Contest: Anaisha Bagwe, age 6
M&M’s Counting Contest: Jonah Hayes, age 9
Holiday Tree Lights Counting Contest: Alisi Akauloa, age 8
Each winner received a $20 gift certificate from either Fabio’s Bistro, Nick’s Pizza & Deli or Bagel Cafe NJ. Congratulations to all!
