Holiday Season Officially Begins With Tree Lighting, Cultural Celebration

Added by Bill Bowman on December 3, 2016.
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A visit from Santa kicked off the 2016 township holiday tree lighting celebration Dec. 2.

The 2016 holiday season was formally kicked off Dec. 2 with the annual township tree lighting at the municipal complex on DeMott Lane.

Following the tree lighting, attendees were led by members of Boy Scout Troop 154 and drummer Sneh Patel to the Community/Senior Center for hot cocoa and apple cider, cookies and entertainment.

Those taking the stage included the Franklin High School Madrigal Singers, the Praise Presbyterian Church Folk Dancers, instrumentalist Melissa Tu, Salone African Dancers and pianist Clarissa Vickerie.

The evening was caped off by a visit from Santa Claus.

Members of the Franklin Township Youth Council read passages about the world religions’ varied holidays celebrated during the winter. Also participating were members of Girl Scout Troop 60157 and the Franklin Township Boys Council.

The evening also signaled the start of the township’s charitable giving campaign, the Angel Giving Tree. Donations are being sought through Dec. 21 for the Franklin Food Bank, Operation Jersey Cares and The Center for Great Expectations.

Following are some scenes from the evening.