JACKSON – Hundreds of residents came out to ring in the holiday season during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting held at the municipal complex.
Seriah Rein was determined to attend the event this year. She has been a resident of the township for nine years but she had never been able to be present for the festive event.
“I moved from up north in Bergen County and I was out of town a lot of years when the event was being held. For various reasons I couldn’t make it. I’ve already attended two others this year – one at Rockefeller Center and another in Glen Rock – but I wanted to come here to the one in town,” Rein said dressed in a nice warm fur coat.
“This is the season that we are filled with spirit for the Christ child who was left here for man,” Rein said. She noted the spiritual and religious significance of the holiday and also noted how township residents come together to enjoy a special time of year.
Mayor Michael Reina and a standing room only crowd gathered inside the township hall awaiting the start of the program that ran from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 2.
“It is heartwarming to see so many people come out for this event as an extended family along with the Menorah Lighting that will take place on Dec. 18,” Reina said.
Reina said that the turnout for the annual festivities grows each year.
Recreation coordinator Joey Anderson and recreation department head Annete Schulz worked on putting together the event which included two musical programs provided by members of the Jackson Baptist Church and the Carl W. Goetz Middle School.
Marge Eisenschmied serves as director of the Carl W. Goetz Honors Choir, which put on a performance. She introduced the choir who were decked out in full holiday attire, some wearing Santa caps, others wearing reindeer antlers while others donned festive sweaters in various shades of red and green.
As the students performed various familiar holiday favorites Matteo Taveira, 3, danced with his younger sister, Alexsandra, as their parents Mary and Alex watched smiling.
“We’ve been coming to this every year,” Mary Taveira said.
“It has to be at least five years now,” her husband added.
Members of the Jackson Baptist Church showed their enthusiasm with a wide variety of spiritual songs to get people feeling the season. Their musical director added the audience to join in.
Outside of the town hall chambers were Jackson students serving up hot chocolate and cookies as people entered and exited the building.
“I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season,” Reina said as the Christmas tree lit into brightness on the grounds of municipal complex.
Santa Claus and his pointed ear helper proved as popular as ever with both children and adults.
