By Amy Batista, Special Writer
BORDENTOWN CITY — The Foundation for Bordentown Traditions hosted its annual tree lighting this past Saturday.
“The tree is gorgeous,” said Deputy Mayor James Lynch.
The tree is located at the intersection of Farnsworth Avenue and Crosswicks Street.
Commissioner Zigmont Targonski said he thinks this the “nicest tree we’ve ever had.”
“We are very much appreciative of the donation of that particular tree,” he said. “It has a beautiful shape.”
The commissioner wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and all the other holidays that are celebrated in Bordentown.
“I hope everyone has a safe and joyous time,” he said.
The tree lighting kicked off with welcome from Christopher Nunn, president of the Foundation of Bordentown Traditions.
“We run a few fundraisers to bring back Bordentown’s Independence Day Celebration in partnership with Bordentown Township,” said Mr. Nunn. He added that the group is about to complete its third year.
He said the group has been fortunate to be in a position to support other events, such as Wailing Woods Hayride and the tree lighting.
Haines Towing was thanked for delivering the tree and putting it up.
“Believe me, this tree was not a light tree,” said Mayor Joseph Malone. “It took a crane to get it up. It took a trailer to get it here and a crane to get it upright.”
Mr. Nunn thanked Ed Foley for decorating the tree.
It was estimated that over 500 people attended the celebration, according to officials.
“I think this is probably the biggest crowd we’ve had in a long time for a tree lighting ceremony,” Mayor Malone said. “I want to thank you for coming out. It’s a little chilly out tonight.”
He thanked a number of people who made it possible, including but not limited to the Foundation for Bordentown Traditions, Bordentown City Police and Public Works departments, Bordentown Guitar Rescue, Father Matt, Nancy Bender and the Bordentown Historical Society.
“It is a good time of the year,” he said. “It’s a fun time of the year. You’re to be safe and compassionate and I just consider it a privilege and honor to be part of this community and a part of this event.”
The local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts spent the evening singing Christmas Carols which includes classics such as “Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer,” “Deck the Halls,” “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Silver Bells,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and more.
Soloist Alexys Pulsinelli sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” while soloist Emily Perrine sang “Winter Wonderland.”
Santa Claus made a special appearance, riding in his sleigh on top of the Consolidated Fire Association fire truck before making his way to the Friends Meeting House where he was available to take pictures after the tree lighting
Refreshments were donated by Sunday’s Catering which included hot cider and hot chocolate.
“After the event, please support the businesses who have greatly supported us over three years and visit the Holiday Train Show,” Mr. Nunn said.
The 2014 Bordentown Traditions Christmas ornament featuring the Clara Barton Schoolhouse was available for purchase during the tree lighting event.
“This is the second year that the Foundation for Bordentown Traditions is selling Christmas ornaments,” said Katy McGowan in an email on Sunday. “In 2013 we featured Old City Hall on a blue ornament and 2014 we are featuring Old Clara Barton Schoolhouse on a red ornament.”
She said the plan is to feature a different location in Bordentown each year.
“This is a fundraiser for the foundation,” she said. “They will be on sale as long as supplies last.”
The ornaments are available for purchase for $15 at the Train Show at Old City Hall, Randy Now Man Cave on Farnsworth Avenue, Christmas House Tour starting at Friends Meeting House, or by contacting a member of the foundation at [email protected]. The 2013 ornament is $10, or both can be purchased for $20.
“We have had requests from people that have moved out of Bordentown and live across the country to ship them and we can do that also,” she said. “We have ornaments in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. Great idea for relatives that have moved out of Bordentown, teachers, neighbors, etc.”
