Tag Archives: Fair Haven Tree Lighting

Retro Waiting for Santa Time in Fair Haven

Tree lighting pose moment in Fair Haven 2015 Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Tree lighting pose moment in Fair Haven 2015
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Santa Claus is coming to downtown Fair Haven Friday night, and he’s gonna help light things up for the holiday season.

As it usually stands to reason for the season, families valiantly try to coordinate those classic photos for the ol’ memory album.

Though, it’s always fun to catch them trying to set up the pose with the typical snafus — cranky kids, losing a little balance and all saying “Cheese … and don’t drop the child!” for that camera at the same time, toothy grins intact.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day honors that time-honored moment of the pose set-up with a Fair Haven family at last year’s tree lighting.

Well, they still look pretty good … Cheese and Santa!

Retro Fair Haven Reindeer Games

Reindeer games with the girls and a guy at Fair Haven's tree lighting 2015 Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Reindeer games with the girls and a guy at Fair Haven’s tree lighting 2015
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

With the end of Thanksgiving gatherings comes the start of not only the holiday shopping season, but festivities galore.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day offers one cute glimpse back to 2015 and some young ones playing reindeer games of their own sort at the Fair Haven tree lighting, which is coming up on Friday.

This little gaggle of giddy girls, and a guy, was quite wide-eyed and waiting to take in some seasonal magic.

The truth is that the magic was all in their eyes.

Recognize these little reindeer?

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Focus: Santa Comes to Fair Haven

Santa Claus came to Fair Haven on Friday. Well, he rode down the street in the firetruck to the annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll, after arriving from the North Pole, of course. Something like that. 

Tradition is the cornerstone of the 1.4-square-mile borough. It prevailed on a chilly Friday evening laced with a community spirit of comfort and warmth. Nestled in a time-honored corner at Memorial Park, young helpers helped, officials officiated, families flocked, friends got festive and, once again, Santa came to town. 

Take a look at the smiles and get a glimpse into what transpired … (And don’t forget to click to enlarge!)

Happy holidays!

— Elaine Van Develde

R-FH Area Holiday Celebrating & Giving

As the classic song goes, it’s that most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for tree lighting, Santa arrivals, community cheer and a lot of giving.

So, to kick off the weekend in the Rumson-Fair Haven area, the season of celebrating and giving is getting a big jump start with the annual Rumson DPW Toy Drive today and tonight and Fair Haven’s tree lighting, Santa visit and holiday stroll through the business district.

It begins today from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in Rumson with the annual toy drive, which is a festive community gathering packed with holiday spirit.

“The employees of the Rumson Public Works Department will once again be volunteering their time to collect new toys for needy children,” the Rumson website announced. “They are asking you to help by donating a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy for a boy or girl.”

And this isn’t your ordinary drop off and run toy drive. People in the area like to gather, socialize, sip on some cocoa and give. The event, for those who cannot make it on Friday, is also run on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

And down the road in Fair Haven, Santa is coming to town again on the firetruck. The borough’s annual tree lighting and celebrating starts at 5 p.m. with Santa arriving at 6 p.m. at Memorial Park at the corner of Fair Haven and River roads.

The usual holiday festivities will ensue, with games, crafts, song, photos with Santa and a stroll in the business district where businesses will hold open houses, offer refreshments, specials and socializing.

You never know who you’ll run into — a snowman, a neighbor or an old friend. It’s all about the Fair Haven community spirit tonight.

And, continued over the weekend …

Fair Haven Councilman Christopher Rodriquez is reminding folks to
“please bring a new unwrapped toy to one of three locations on Saturday: Rec basketball games at Knollwood and Sickles gyms and the Library. Send me a message if you have questions about timing or anything else and thanks for bringing joy to kids in need.”

And at 39 Parker Avenue, resident Maria Ruscigno, in an effort to give back the kindness she and her family received when their son was hospitalized, is conducting a pajama drive for Jersey Shore University Medical Center to keep sick kids and their parents cozy through the holidays and beyond. The collecting is being done right on her porch. She invites residents to stop over and see her decorations and drop off some PJs.

“Happy Friday Fair Haven friends, we are still collecting Pajamas for Jersey Shore Medical Center families!!!” she said in a Facebook post. “Swing by this weekend check out the small display we did and perhaps donate a pair of Pajamas.
39 PARKER AVE!!!!!!!!”

Happy holiday celebrating, all! See you around the towns!

 

Focus: Santa Claus Comes to Fair Haven

Santa Claus came to Fair Haven on Friday night.

Hundreds of residents gathered to celebrate the seasonal kick-off at Memorial Park.

There was a December chill in the air, but spirits soaring and warm.

Take a glimpse into some highlights of the night … (Oh, and don’t forget to click on each photo to enlarge to full view!)

Cheers to the season!

— Elaine Van Develde 

Lighting Up Holiday Trees, Spirits in Rumson, Fair Haven

Both Rumson and Fair Haven had festive holiday celebrations replete with traditional tree lightings this past weekend.

While Fair Haven had to endure yet another soggy festivity, all went smoothly, we hear.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect caught the tail end of those festivities on Friday.

On a much chillier Sunday, however, spirits were warm at Rumson’s tree lighting, replete with the usual — Tim McLoone & the Shirleys sprinkled with some Holiday Express, the RFH Tower Singers, hot chocolate and a lot of dancing and singing.

Check it all out in the photo gallery above. Click on any photo to enlarge and click on the arrow to the left or right to scroll through. Enjoy!