The township’s annual tree lighting will take place on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the recreation center.
The free event – said to be one of the township’s largest of the year – will take place both inside and outside of the center. Mayor Paul Medany will help light the tree.
“The tree lighting is always a great event,” he said. “It’s a great outdoor event and we usually get anywhere between 850 to 1,000 people. That’s what it’s been the last few years.”
Several Christmas characters will join the celebration, including Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, Buddy the Elf and the Grinch, who may or may not try to steal Christmas – as he did last year. A choir of kids from Deptford’s elementary schools will sing carols.
Tickets will be handed out to attendees upon arrival, despite the event being free, to get a head count for the township.
“I’ll also officially pardon anyone who is on the naughty list,” Medany joked. “It’s like a presidential pardon and the parents get a kick out of it. It’s a fun little tradition that we’ve been doing for years. We never turn away a resident.”
Hot chocolate, Christmas cookies and an outdoor movie will be available for residents. Past years have also included a tractor ride in fields near the center, as well as a petting zoo. The area will also be decorated for the hoiday by the township’s public works and parks and recreation departments.
“We’ve been doing this event for at least 20 years now,” said Medany. “The public works (department) and recreation committee do a fantastic job with it.”
