Here we go again … revisiting one of those unforgettable trips to Santa that may be all too familiar … Yes, it’s time again for a little remembrance of the time-honored holiday tradition of the not-always-so-smooth Santa visit at the Fair Haven Firehouse, among other festive places.
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
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!
Photo/courtesy of Ann Clark
You know the drill. It’s that time of the year when the kids want to visit Santa — or not. It seems that since the dawn of time, when Santa time comes, there’s always at least one squirming, miserable child plopping on Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick’s lap with a cringe bigger than his signature belly accompanied by Fright Night screeches and tears rolling down his or her cheeks.
Everyone knows the scene well. It’s classic. The holiday tradition that goes terribly awry.
It’s a tradition. Every year, Rumsonites gather, socialize, listen to some music by the Deane-Porter Third Grade Chorus and Tim McLoone & The Shirleys, dance a little, drink a little hot cocoa, nibble on some homemade cookies and celebrate the start of the holiday season with the tree lighting at Victory Park.
The tradition continued on Sunday evening. Spirits were high and all seemed to have a festive time.
Take a look … (and don’t forget to CLICK to ENLARGE!)
— Elaine Van Develde
Friday night in Fair Haven was a night all about seasonal song, a little dancing, festivities, socializing and, of course, Santa. It was the night of the annual tree lighting.
What would the first weekend in December in the Rumson-Fair Haven area be without tree lightings and Santa visits?
Continue reading The R-FH Area Weekend: Santa Comes to Rumson, 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
Haul out the holly. It’s time to light up the Rumson-Fair Haven area with holiday trees, Santa visits and festivities for all to kick off that time of the year.
It all starts on Friday evening …
Fair Haven’s annual tree lighting at Memorial Park, on the corner of River and Fair Haven roads, kicks the season off at 5 p.m. with a gathering, Santa’s traditional arrival via firetruck, a tree lighting at 6 p.m., song, fun and games for kids and a holiday stroll through the business district. There will be hot chocolate, treats, raffles and assorted surprises at each business for hometown holiday shopping pleasure. (Check the map.)
The event runs through 7:30 p.m.
And on Sunday …
Rumson’s annual tree lighting and festivities come to Victory Park starting at 5 p.m. with music by Tim McLoone and the Shirleys, the RFH Tower Singers and Deane-Porter’s third grade chorus.
There will be snacks and hot chocolate and, of course, Santa and the official lighting of the tree.
And over the bridge in Sea Bright …
The annual tree lighting will take place in the borough’s municipal parking lot by the beach at 6 p.m.
Following the tree lighting, Mrs. Claus will make an appearance across the street at the United Methodist Church to give out some gifts and refreshments to the kids.
Photo/Elaine Van Develde
By Elaine Van Develde
It’s that time of the year for a longstanding Fair Haven tradition — photos at the firehouse with Santa.
This year, Santa’s coming to the firehouse between 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
It’s another Fair Haven tradition you can always count on. So, the Retro Pic of the Day takes us back to Santa at the firehouse when it all started.
I remember …
Continue reading Tradition: Santa’s Visit to the Fair Haven Firehouse
In light of the holiday season and the onslaught of deliveries that usually come with it, Rumson police have some cautionary advice to safeguard your packages’ safe arrival.
In addition to just being mindful that an unattended package on a porch or stoop is a potential theft invite for unsavory Grinches, police, on their Facebook page, advise that you:
• “Request a signature option when ordering an item so it will not be left unattended while the family is out;
• Request that the item be held at the shipping center for pickup;
• Tell a friend or a neighbor to keep an eye out and retrieve any packages for you while you are out.
“As always, report any suspicious persons or vehicles 24/7″ by calling the police station at 721-842-0500.”
Sunday was the night Santa came to Victory Park in Rumson — Santa, Tim McLoone & the Shirleys, RFH Tower Singers, Deane-Porter third graders and more.
And, yes, a good time was had by all at the traditional annual tree lighting festivities.
Take a look and see. Click on the photos to enlarge; and have a happy holiday season!
— Elaine Van Develde
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