It’s really the season to be jolly in Englewood!
The city kicked off the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in front of City Hall with its ninth annual tree lighting ceremony. Despite a steady rain, several hundred residents and visitors gathered to participate in the eagerly awaited spectacle. Children were bundled up in their rain gear and parents held umbrellas, but nothing dampened the Christmas spirit.
This year’s Tree Lighting was sponsored by the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, the City of Englewood, the Englewood Special Improvement District, Modiani Kitchens, Starbucks and New Jersey Eye and Ear.
The event was a festive way to herald the season. The program began with a performance by St. Paul’s Choir School, directed by Mark Trautman, and the Chorus and Tri-M Music Honor Society from Dwight Morrow High School, directed by Sandy Meltzer. Gathered under the Christmas tree, their collective voices rang out into the night with majestic renditions of “Deck the Halls,” Feliz Navidad,” “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and other yuletide carols.
“It is an honor to once again participate in the Englewood Tree Lighting and share this great tradition with residents and the general public,” said Mayor Frank Huttle, who officiates at the holiday event every year.
Huttle then announced that he will be continuing his holiday tradition of inviting 160 youth to the performance of “The Nutcracker” at the bergenPAC Theater.
In addition to Huttle, a number of other dignitaries attended the tree lighting, including state Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Councilman Charles Cobb, Council President Wayne Hamer, Councilwoman Katharine Glynn, Mayor-elect Michael Wildes, City Manager Ed Hynes and Englewood Fire Department Chief Erik Enersen.
“I have been coming to the Englewood tree lighting for many, many years,” said Cobb. “I like to see the kids so excited, the warmth and the joy of celebrating the holiday season.”
In the midst of the excitement, an Englewood fire truck pulled up, and out jumped Santa, along with his elves. Dozens of delighted children ran over to hug the jolly old soul and pose for pictures with him.
Santa, smiling and waving, basked in the affection of his young admirers.
“I love seeing the joy of the children,” said Ivan Arguello, making a return performance. “It’s a pleasure to come back here every year!”
Dozens of parents jockeyed into position to snap photos of their children with Santa and Mayor Huttle. Many people also gathered for photos with Mayor-elect Michael Wildes and his wife, Amy.
On a nearby table, there were complimentary cups of hot chocolate from Starbucks and candy canes donated by Englewood Eye and Ear.
While Santa was making his rounds with the children, Mayor Huttle selected two youngsters to help light the large Christmas tree that stood near City Hall. When it was illuminated, there was a collective “wow!” as the colored lights shone brilliantly against the dark rainy sky that blanketed Van Brunt Street.
Carol Rauscher, president of the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, was delighted with the huge turnout.
“This is the largest crowd that we have ever had,” said Rauscher. “I was worried about the rain, but even more people came than ever before, and everyone loves the new tree. This is so exciting!”
It was indeed an exciting evening for all, and one that will emboss memories long remembered.
Photo by Hillary Viders