Hundreds are expected to attend this year’s lighting on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
Deptford’s annual tree lighting makes its return to the township recreation center on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m.
Once the tree is lighted, it will be moved to the front of the municipal building. The event is free.
“It is one of the biggest events in the township,” said Mayor Paul Medany. “We’ll have at least 500 to 600 people come by. There’s a lot of good stuff going on.”
Activities for both kids and adults will be offered, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will pose for free pictures with kids. A Christmas-themed movie will be shown inside for people awaiting those photos, whose times can be chosen as people arrive.
Other Christmas characters – such as Buddy the Elf – will be on hand, some taking hayrides on tractor trailers with guests. The vehicles are the same ones used during the township’s fall festival. A student choir from the Deptford school district will perform holiday carols.
Medany, members of council and township employees are also expected to attend. The mayor and council are presenting the event, with the public works department and recreation committee setting up.
“We’ve been doing this event for at least 20 years now,” said Medany. “The public works (department) and recreation committee do a fantastic job with it.”
Free food will also be provided at the tree lighting, one of a series of township events in advance of the holiday season. Upcoming are pictures with Santa at the Deptford Dog Park on Saturday, Dec. 9, and the senior winter wonderland on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the township community center gym.
