(FANWOOD, NJ) — Hundreds of Fanwoodians attended Sunday’s holiday celebration and tree lighting on the North Avenue lawn of the old train station. The event was held under bright sunny skies and comfortable temperatures for an early December evening.

Hundreds of visitors stood in line to see Santa, enjoy coffee and cookies, a petting zoo, contests, Christmas carols, and the lighting of the old Norway Spruce. The annual event, organized by the Fanwood Recreation Commission, featured Santa on his sleigh under the Fanwood Historic Train Station awning hearing children’s Christmas wishes. The Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Chorus serenaded guests with holiday carols throughout the afternoon and after the tree was lit. The petting zoo was also a big hit for children.

Borough Council members Erin Barker McElroy, Patricia Walsh and Jeff Banks was on hand to count down the tree lighting. Recreation Director Bob Budiansky checked in those who had pre-registered to see Santa.

Recreation Director Bob Budiansky signs in those families who registered for pictures with Santa.
Recreation Commissioner Bruce Zakarin greets a child on line to meet Santa.
A family poses for pictures with Santa.
A family poses for pictures with Santa.
Councilwoman Gina Berry greets new Fanwood residents.
Getting a hot beverage.
Line to see fire engine.
Line for pictures with Santa.
Borough Council members Gina Berry, Patricia Walsh, and Erin McElroy Barker pose with Santa.
Counting the number of M&M’s in the jar.
This youngster makes a new friend at the petting zoo.
The petting zoo was popular with kids.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Chorus.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Chorus.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Chorus.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Councilwomen Erin McElroy Barker, Patricia Walsh, and Gina Berry.
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