By Frank Mustac, Special Writer
PENNINGTON — The Holiday Walk in Pennington, a must-attend event on the Valley’s social calendar, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4.
Festivities run from 6-9 p.m., including a visit from Santa for children, singers caroling and the lighting of a large holiday tree. Downtown streets will be closed, but all the shops will stay open.
Linda Martin and Alisandra Carnevale of the Pennington Business & Professional Association, sponsors of the event, told Pennington Borough Council members on Monday about their plans.
Ms. Martin, owner of Flutter Boutique in town, said that organizers want to erect “a very large tent at Howe Commons, where the tree lighting will happen.”
Since there is no rain date, in case of inclement weather, Holiday Walk attendees can stay dry under the tent, where there will be food and music. The tent will be lighted up at night.
Permits and approvals still need to be obtained for the tent, said Ms. Carnevale, who runs a law practice in town.
Holiday Walk attendees will see a few new wrinkles this year. Local businesses are donating gift baskets for a drawing to be held on the day of the event. Prior to Dec. 4, the baskets will be on display at the businesses, where anyone can fill out a drawing entry form.
“No purchase is necessary,” said Ms. Carnevale, adding that different dance performances will also take place, as well as a “parade-esque atmosphere” when Santa comes down Main Street.
“Of course we’ll have the usual photos with Santa at Sun Bank,” she said. The bank is at North Main Street and East Delaware Avenue.
“We’re doing the same things enjoyed over the years, but also some more activities for the children, some crafts and decorating and things like that, just to make it more fun, more festive,” Ms. Carnevale said.
Ms. Martin added, “We want to really take it to the next level this year. Hopefully it will be a great night and we’ll do a lot of business in town.”
