With an earlier start time and additional holiday attractions, families and visitors of all ages will find entertainment, joy to ring in the holiday season
Mullica Hill’s historic district on Main Street will welcome more than 5,000 residents and visitors for the annual Lights on Main extravaganza on Nov. 25. With an earlier start and additional attractions, this year’s event is expected to provide holiday entertainment for all ages.
This year, Lights on Main will begin an hour earlier at 5 p.m. to accommodate set-up time, as well as allow for families of younger children the ability to enjoy all the event has to offer at an earlier convenience. The event held on North and South Main streets, between Woodland Avenue and Folwell Lane, will feature holiday celebrations, local food vendors, small business shopping, live entertainment and more.
Attendees will have the chance to meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at a newly implemented early session from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on North Main Street, located between Chatham Lane and Arbour Lane. Also new this year, visitors will have the chance to take photos with “Elf on the Shelf” from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Nancy Kowalik Real Estate Group, located at 46 N. Main St.
The traditional pictures with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at Old Town Hall, featuring warm apple cider and cookies, will follow at 7:30 p.m., with “Elf on the Shelf” close by for photographs in Santa’s Magical Sleigh.
According to Township Administrator Mark Gravinese, the magic happens between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. At this time, free, light-up wands will be distributed to attendees for the ceremonial tree lighting. Following a welcome ceremony by Mayor Louis Manzo, committee members, as well as state and county dignitaries, a countdown will ensue on Santa’s Magical Sleigh to light the 60-foot tree at Old Town Hall, on the corner of South Main Street and Woodstown Road.
In keeping with the holiday spirit, a Christmas Shopping Village will be held in the parking lot across the street from Century 21, located at 32 N. Main St., featuring products and art from local holiday crafters. Throughout the evening, horse drawn carriage rides will be traveling between Folwell Lane and Old Town Hall and along the Main Street Bridge.
Additional attractions include the Philadelphia Mummers, gingerbread decorating, live music and entertainment on stages located near Old Town Hall, as well as Naples Ristorante, face painting, photo booths, movies, inflatable bounce houses, holiday crafts, a live nativity scene at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and more. The Harrison Township Historical Society’s “Weird South Jersey” exhibition will also be open, as well as the Raccoon Valley Store, located within Old Town Hall, with gift ideas. Proceeds support the museum’s programs.
“Lights on Main brings the community together, and it’s a kickoff for the holiday season,” Recreation Coordinator Sharon Chew said.
According to Gravinese, the exuberant event has been awarded “Best Event” in Gloucester County four years in a row. In conjunction with “Shop Local Saturday,” the event takes place on the first Saturday following Thanksgiving to bring families together while they are home from college, business or visiting friends and relatives.
“The biggest reward is when families come through and think, ‘this is our town, wow,’” Gravinese said. “It’s an opportunity for families to get together in a safe zone, and share in something special.”
Those attending may park in the designated parking areas located at Chianti Italian Restaurant, 127 Bridgeton Pike, Ella Harris Park on Route 77 and the Municipal Building, as well as the Amish Market on Route 322, Harrison Elementary School’s front parking lot, the American Legion and old Police Station. Handicap parking is available on East Avenue off North Main Street, as well as 79 S. Main St. Free shuttles will begin at 3:30 p.m.
“The partnership between residents, particularly in the historic district, merchants and recreation is insurmountable,” Gravinese said. “Without that combination of support, this would not happen.”
For more information about Lights on Main, visit www.harrisontwp.us, or check out the “Lights on Main” Facebook page.
