MANCHESTER – The fourth festive Christmas in the Pines holiday event was held recently. It marked the second year at its current location at Harry Wright Lake and drew a large crowd.
The holiday event was created by the township’s Chamber of Commerce and while The Chamber is still involved, the bulk of it is now coordinated by Township Recreation Director Tracey Lynch and members of her staff.
As in years past, there were vendors, food trucks, costumed characters and organizations informing visitors of what they do. There was a lot of food to enjoy ranging from fried Oreos, funnel cake, hot chocolate, kettle corn, pizza, barbecue chicken and other items.
This year’s event also served as the community’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony which is normally held in front of Town Hall on Colonial Drive. Christmas in the Pines featured a theme this year of “The Grinch That Stole Christmas” with several stage boards with hand painted scenes made by members of the Recreation Department staff.
Lynch noted that, “Christmas in the Pines is a celebration for our community to come together with their friends, family, and neighbors to ring in the Christmas season. It was a very cold night, but it was so nice to see people warming up by the fire pits roasting s’mores, chatting amongst one another and meeting new people as Christmas songs played throughout the evening.”
There were live performances on the stage, including ones by local students. Families could also partake of the walking trails. And of course Santa made an appearance.
Lynch said, “we did have a great turnout and a wonderful time was had by all.”
Among those who had a wonderful time was Dorreen Lynn of north Jersey who had stopped in after another local holiday event and was surprised by the festivities. “I never knew this was here.”
She brought her dog Zane and he was enjoying a ride in a wagon while wearing a Santa cap and keeping warm covered in a pink blanket. Lynn was hunting for a particular snack from the various food trucks that were on the premises.
“Of course, the one thing I wanted they don’t have. I was hoping to find some pork roll fries” she said with a laugh. “They said we don’t have that. We went to LBI for the parade and then we came here.”
Marge and Rosemary Bishop proved you didn’t have to be a child to sit on Santa’s lap and to have a chat with that jolly old elf in red. They also brought a pooch to the event.
One very young boy was spotted in his stroller staring at a rather large cup with an equally large straw that helped advertise a hot chocolate stand. The s’mores station was not only a source of sweet treats but also a place to get warm thanks to a contained fire.
Rogert P. Grenier, the chairman of the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Committee joined several of his fellow crimson shirted committee members to promote programs of the group during the event.
They distributed literature at their table including the Hometown Heroes program. This sponsors a personalized 2×4 foot, double sided, 18-ounce, vinyl banner that will adorn the light poles in the parking lot of Town Hall on Colonial Drive.
“The only requirements to get a banner is to be a veteran and to have lived in town at any point in time,” Grenier said. They were also spreading information about state awards for veterans, plus the “paver program at the World War II Memorial Park down the road. We’re giving out information for the vets for the benefits that are available and VA Health Care and applications for the Brigadier General Doyle Cemetery.”
Mayor Robert Arace welcomed everyone early on during the event which ran from 2 to 8 pm. Reverend David Rittinger, Sr., the long-time senior pastor at Whiting Bible Church provided an invocation after the mayor’s welcome.
Santa Claus arrived early this year and greeted both young and old throughout the day and into the evening when the Christmas Tree was brightly lit.
Marisiya Goins sang the National Anthem this year. Other performances included Emily Chant, the Manchester Middle School Choir, and Katie Sherman the choir’s leader, who sang “I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” Also featured were Tony Michaels, Joe Scarangello, the Manchester High School Gospel Choir and Cassidy Gobel.
