Three Christmas tree lighting ceremonies scheduled
Fundraisers and events also taking place throughout city
The City of Asbury Park continues to light up the holiday season with three tree lighting ceremonies, two scheduled for this weekend and what may be the first lighting ceremony in the city’s history on the West Side next weekend.
Tonight, the city will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in Fireman’s Park at Main Street and Sunset Avenue.
Tomorrow evening, the Chamber of Commerce tree lighting will be held at 6 p.m. in Press Plaza, at the corner of Cookman Avenue and Emory Street [shown above]. Santa himself will light the 27 foot tall tree and will later pose for pictures with attendees. Dogs are welcome and the chamber will be collecting new or gently used winter coats for the Community Affairs and Resource Center. Anyone who cannot attend but wishes to donate a coat can call the chamber at 732-775-7676 to schedule a pick-up or drop-off.
It is the largest three the chamber has placed in Press Plaza since they began the annual lighting three years ago, said Jackie Pappas, executive director of the Asbury Park chamber.
“I think that really speaks volumes about the growth of downtown Asbury Park so far,” she said.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Asbury Park Community Action Network will host a tree lighting ceremony at the corner of Springwood and Atkins avenues.
Although the chamber placed a tree outside of the Springwood Center the first year they moved their offices there, Pappas says it may be the first tree lighting ceremony held in the city’s West Side.
“This tree is really about the kids lighting the tree,” Pappas said. The children will help Santa light the cluster of three 10 to 15-foot trees with their “collective energy,” she said.
Over 300 coats will be distributed at the Springwood lighting. Local choirs and dance groups will perform and there will be face painting. Warm refreshments will be served.
Through Asbury Park’s vast network of city officials, businesses and individuals, the entire city contains elements of holiday decor, Pappas said.
“In every distinct district, we have a Christmas tree or some holiday dressing,” said Pappas. “This is one city that is, in fact, united.”
OTHER HOLIDAY EVENTS
Friday Dec. 5, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Harold Daley Post #133 is the one-night-only Merry Go-Go Shoppa-Palooza from 5 to 11 p.m. Local artists and vendors will sell antiques, vintage clothing, plants, glassware, comics, musical instruments, toys and loads of handmade items. Patrons can also pose for a Poloroid with “Surf Santa.”
On Friday, Dec. 5, Paranormal Books & Curiosities will host their 7th Annual “Pictures with the Yeti” event starting at to 7 p.m. A $5 to $10 per person donation is suggested. Proceeds benefit the NJ Make A Wish Foundation. Paranormal is located at 627 Cookman Ave.
Asbury Park’s Winter Bazaar kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 6 in Convention Hall’s Grand Arcade. Vendors will sell vintage items, handmade wares, art, jewelry, and more for presents and holiday party additions from noon to 5 p.m. Two additional bazaars will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 20. Photos with Santa sponsored by Shoreline Media and the Asbury Park Toy Drive happen from 1 to 3 p.m. at each bazaar. Patrons who bring a new toy or new/gently used coat will receive a free photo. Pets are welcome.
The Grand Arcade is also a general donation and drop off center for the Asbury Park Toy Drive and the Monmouth County Food Bank. New toys, new/or gently used coats, and canned goods can be dropped off any time the arcade is open.
New York City actor and playwright Greg Oliver Bodine will return to Asbury Park to perform his critically acclaimed, one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at a limited, one-night only engagement at Paranormal Books & Curiosities on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Seating is very limited. General admission tickets to the event are $20. Advance reservations must be secured with a credit card payment. Click here to make a reservation.
Scrooge: The Musical returns to the Paramount Theatre Saturday. A full orchestra will accompany all four weekend performances scheduled for Saturday Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. with a final showing on Sunday Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $15 for students, $12 for children under 13 and can be purchased on the Premier website or by calling 732.774.STAR [7827].
Asbury Park’s 15th Annual Toy Drive and holiday party at Georgie’s takes place Sunday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 11 p.m. Bring a new unwrapped toy and help celebrate 15 years of giving back. Food, raffles, and entertainment provided.
On Wednesday, Dec. 10 the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce will host its annual holiday party. This year’s celebration happens at the Hotel Tides, located at 408 Seventh Avenue. Admission is $10 for members and $15 for future members. For more information or to RSVP, call 732-775-7676.
A fundraiser for Kula Café Job Training Program will be held Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Asbury Park Yacht Club from 6 to 10 p.m. A silent auction and 50/50 raffle will be held. Lakehouse Music Academy Pros and Stringbean & the Boardwalk Social Club will provide entertainment. The Yacht Club is located at 1000 Ocean Avenue, in the Second Avenue Pavilion.
The third Annual Office Party Palooza will be held in Convention Hall’s Grand Arcade Thursday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. Square off with other party participants in games of swivel chair scurry, waste basket toss, and a suit up/suit down challenge. The Nerds will provide entertainment, a free buffet will be available along with happy hour pricing all night. RSVP by today to apevents@mmrs.com.
Asbury Park’s annual Kwanzaa celebration will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13 in the Asbury Park Senior Center, located on the second floor of the Springwood Center at 1201 Springwood Ave. This year’s theme is “Community Pride and Unity: It Takes A Whole Village.” The event is free and open to the public.
Submit your holiday event or fundraiser to news@asburyparksun.com for consideration.
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