---

Amidst a spirit of rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy, a capacity crowd of about 700 filled the Grand Arcade in Convention Hall on Saturday for the annual tree lighting ceremony.

The crowd was festive, warmed up by the Billy Lawlor Band. “It’s good to see everyone in a post-recovery holiday spirit,” said Gary Mottola, president of investments for boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette, which operates Convention Hall.

[For a photo album of the event on the Asbury Park Sun Facebook page, please click here.]

Mayor Ed Johnson, who has announced he will not run for reelection, noted this is his fourth and last tree lighting ceremony as mayor.

“We’re going to restore the Jersey Shore,” said Johnson in his opening remarks.

The mayor then led the crowd in a countdown to lighting the tree.

“Let them hear us in Manhattan. Let them hear us in Philadelphia,” said an excited Johnson. [Click here for video of the countdown and tree lighting.]

Also on the stage in front of the tree were council members John Loffredo and Sue Henderson, as well as U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr.

“I’m so overwhelmingly grateful that I couldn’t find a parking spot because Asbury Park is back,” said Henderson.

After the tree was lit, Santa Claus winded his way through the crowd. Once on stage, even he couldn’t resist the post-hurricane mood of revival and recovery.

“We’re here to say Sandy, you can’t chase us away!” said Santa.

[Click here for video of Santa Claus wading through the capacity crowd and arriving on stage.]

The Grand Arcade is now filled with 18 boardwalk retailers for the holiday season, as well as a full bar serving beer, wine, mixed drinks and warm holiday beverages. Called the “Holiday Bazaar”, it will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday each weekend until Christmas.

---