The Harrison Township Recreation Commission hosted its annual Lights on Main on Nov. 25 and drew an estimated 10,000 township and county residents to Mullica Hill’s Main Street, according to Mayor Louis Manzo.
“Lights on Main 2023 was another huge success,” Manzo said of the free event. ” … The street and vendors and accommodations handled that crowd with no issues. Holiday lights adorned Main Street from top to bottom as they lit up the night sky as a way to usher in the holiday season in the community.
“People from Mullica Hill and beyond came to the event to see what this year’s event was all about.”
“It’s like a Hallmark movie in Mullica Hill,” said recreation commission coordinator Sharon Chew. “It’s not only the biggest event in Mullica Hill, but also the biggest in all of Gloucester County.”
Several businesses had special offers and holiday-themed attractions included bounce houses, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and food trucks. The historical society’s Old Town Hall featured limited edition Christmas ornaments and other items for sale.
“It is incredible to see all the nooks and crannies of activity along Main Street,” noted Manzo, who likes to go from one gathering to the next at the event. “Pockets and friends and families enjoying each other’s company and the settings our local businesses create for that event.
“Ultimately, that is what makes Lights on Main the great event that it is, the people coming together in a festive environment to kick off the holiday season.
The end of the night came with the mayor plugging in lights for the large Christmas tree on Main Street.
“My perspective is always focused on the staging of the actual lighting of the tree at 7 p.m. and the preparation required to execute that without a hitch,” Manzo said. “Last year, there was an unanticipated 10-second delay in the lights coming on, which caused some anxiety, but all went smoothly this year.”
Manzo also acknowledged the work involved in Lights on Main.
“Many vendors also donate their services,” he pointed out, “which is the case for lighting up of Main Street and the tree itself. The hometown business owners of Wingate’s Tree Service and Calvello Landscaping put their crews on the street to trim and pin light all the trees and sculpt and string new lights on our famous Christmas tree.
“Thank you to Adam Wingate and Andrew Calvello for your generosity and dedication to our community.”
