Santa Claus is coming to Town … Center.
Starting at 5 p.m., Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust and ACME will host the annual “I Believe!” Santa Arrival Celebration, marking the official arrival of the man in red on Friday, Nov. 15.
The celebration will kick off on The Boulevard in Town Center, when between 5 and 6:30 p.m. restaurants along The Boulevard will serve meals while holiday characters make their way from restaurant to restaurant.
“We added the character meals this year as a convenient way for families to enjoy a nice meal, start a new tradition, prior to the parade,” said Assistant Marketing Director for Voorhees Town Center Lisa Milideo. “It avoids them having to worry about grabbing dinner on the go — they can come sit and relax, enjoy one-on-one time with holiday characters, and then have a front-row seat for the parade.”
At 6:30 p.m., the holiday parade will begin down The Boulevard and will include Voorhees Mayor Michael Mignogna, as well as the Voorhees Fire District, the ACME Shopping cart brigade and Laurel Springs Fire Departments antique fire truck.
Mignogna, who has attended every “I Believe” event since its inception three years ago, says his favorite part of the celebration is Santa.
“I’m excited to see the faces on the kids when they see Santa,” Mignogna said.
Parade-goers are encouraged to bring a nonperishable item with them, which can then be collected by the shopping cart brigade or deposited at the event welcome table for a free children’s holiday gift. All nonperishable items will go to benefit Twin Oaks Community Services in Mt. Holly, a nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for adults, children and families.
The ceremonial lighting of a 36-foot tree will immediately follow the parade, with a number of activities from 7 to 8 p.m. inside the mall, including pictures with Santa. Milideo said a magic show with magician Michael Scanzello, of Amazing Moments Agency, LLC, will be held in Boscov’s court from 7 to 7:30 p.m., and will be followed by a performance by SJ3 from 7:30 to 8 p.m. in the food court.
“Back by popular demand, we have invited SJ3 to continue the tradition of participating in the Santa arrival event,” Milideo said. “They appeal to families and teens with their clean, fresh talent and homegrown appeal.”
In addition, SJ3 will also be performing in the parade.
“It’s a wonderful way to welcome the holidays,” Mignogna said. “It’s a fun way to kick-off the season.”
For more information, visit http://voorheestowncenter.com.
