Despite the rain, there was a large turnout for the second annual Tree Lighting at the Moorestown Community House last week. Residents were bundled up in warm and seasonal clothing, holding umbrellas of all colors and sizes, as they enjoyed the festivities.
Members of the Community House as well as Moorestown’s Kathy Orr of CBS 3 made speeches of thanks and appreciation. Moorestown High School’s Madrigals and Philly POPs provided musical entertainment. Children listened to elf Timothy R. Hollybottom read “The Night Before Christmas,” and residents enjoyed donated hot cocoa and cookies before the lighting of the tree, officially bringing Moorestown into the holiday season.
However, the Moorestown tree lighting is just the first of many events in Moorestown.
Despite living in Moorestown for five years, it was the first time at the tree lighting for Lori Cornish, a teacher at Mary E. Roberts Elementary School, and Ashley Cornish, a junior at Moorestown High School. Both expressed their enjoyment of the Moorestown tree lighting even though it was raining.
“I think it is wonderful for the community. I just wish it weren’t raining,” Lori said.
“I love it; I love that the Madrigals are performing. It really brings the community together,” Ashley said.
Of the holiday events in Moorestown, the Cornish duo said they look forward to Candlelight Night the most. Moorestown Business Association’s Candlelight Night was held on Friday, Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Main Street. During the night, the Main Street Business district opened its doors for family shopping along with holiday sounds and tastes for visitors to enjoy.
“I really like Candlelight Night. With all of the lights, it is so pretty. It really gets you into the holiday spirit,” Ashley said.
Lori said they would be having family over to their house for Christmas and attending a Christmas Eve service the night before.
“The holidays are always special with families coming together,” Lori said.
Also a first time tree lighting-goer, Yannick Bonnemaiso, a two-year Moorestown resident, felt the ceremony was a great experience, and he was very curious to see all the things they were doing.
Bonnemaiso said he, along with his wife and children, ages 8 and 11, were really looking forward to the holiday events. He said Candlelight Night is fun, but he was also looking forward to the Cook’s House Tour, which was on Dec. 3. Families open their houses to residents to show how they have decorated for the holiday season.
“It’s in the holiday spirit, and people typically are welcoming very warmly, so we really enjoy that,” Bonnemaiso said.
Despite having a small family in the United States, Bonnemaiso said they still celebrate all holidays together. For Christmas specifically, they decorate their old Victorian house with lights and candles, which Bonnemaiso said his wife works very hard on.
“We really enjoy living in Moorestown. We like the community aspect of Moorestown. The spirit in this town you can’t find in neighboring towns. We are really grateful to be here and we really enjoy it,” Bonnemaiso said.
