Upcoming events abound in Monroe Township
With Halloween in the rearview mirror and Thanksgiving coming up, that can only mean one thing — the holiday season is right around the corner.
The Williamstown Fire Company will begin its annual Christmas Tree sale on Nov. 26. Trees will be sold Monday to Friday from 6 to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Williamstown Fire Station on Main Street.
Trees that are between six and seven feet in height cost $35, seven to eight feet are $45 and eight feet or taller cost $55.
Councilman and volunteer firefighter Cody Miller said this is one of the biggest fundraisers for the fire department and the proceeds directly benefit the fire department.
“This is something we’ve done for many, many years,” Miller said. “We’re appreciative of the community’s support. This is a good tradition to start with the family, buying a tree from a nonprofit organization that is 100 percent volunteer.”
Miller continued by saying the fire department does a secret Santa that donates trees to families in need. If you know a family in need, contact Miller by email at cmiller@monroetownshipnj.org or by phone at (856) 728–9800 ext. 229.
Miller added that last year they were sold out in the first two to three weeks so act fast.
Monroe Township will host its annual Christmas Tree lighting on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Pfeiffer Community Center. The tree lighting takes place at 6 p.m. near the Ireland Hofer House, one of the historic homes in Monroe Township. There is family fun to be had, including pictures with Santa and his fire truck, hot chocolate, snacks and carolers.
The Monroe Township Public Library will host Williamstown’s own women’s a cappella chorus, Shades of Harmony on Dec 3 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.
Melissa Guzman, assistant director of Shades of Harmony, is excited to perform in front of her hometown library.
“Come get in the Christmas spirit and enjoy an array of holiday songs sung in four-part, a cappella harmony!” she said.
Events in other towns:
The Washington Township Historic Preservation Commission will host its annual “Magic of Christmas” event at the Olde Stone House Village on Egg Harbor Road in Sewell on Dec. 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Magic of Christmas will have a tree lighting ceremony, starting at 5:30 p.m., along with a photo-op with Santa at the Olde Stone House building. Inside the train station there will be another tree and a reading of “The Polar Express,” including speakers to pump in train sounds.
Nick Appice, the chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, included that kids can write letters to Santa and receive a response from the man himself. He added that light refreshments, like hot chocolate, will be available.
“This is my favorite event because it’s a low-key family fun event,” Appice said. “We get so many return families every year, it’s great to see everybody come back. Every year we get return people who make it a family tradition — it’s awesome. It’s the most fun out of our events.”
For more information on this event, email TownshipHistory1836@gmail.com.
The Calvary Chapel Church of Gloucester County will gear up for the holiday season with its Caroling, Soup and Chili event on Dec. 2. Meet at the church, located on Route 42 N. in Turnersville, at 4:45 p.m. before going caroling from 5 to 6:30 p.m. A fellowship follows from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the church. Sign up to bring soup or chili, and call the church office at (856) 302–1804 with any questions.
