By Frank Mustac, Contributor
As the end of the year quickly approaches, officials in Pennington said the borough has begun preparing for its annual Holiday Walk.
Described by many as a “must-attend” event in Hopewell Valley for more than three decades, the walk will be held on Friday, Dec. 2, with festivities running from 6-9 p.m.
Over the course of the walk, children will get a visit from Santa Clause, singers will be caroling and everyone will be invited to attend the yearly lighting of a large holiday tree.
Thanks to the large upswing in foot traffic, officials said the borough’s downtown streets will be closed, but the shops will remain open.
”We’re doing a lot of things and putting a lot of things in place that will hopefully make this a real all-encompassing memorable community event,” Kevin Ryan of the Pennington Business and Professional Association said.
Mr. Ryan, who outlined the event during the Nov. 2 council meeting, said that the association is the organizer for this year’s walk.
As its name would suggest, this year’s Annual Walk will feature a procession with Santa down Main Street starting at Howe Commons, 65 Main St., to Sun Bank at North Main Street and East Delaware Avenue.
The revelry will include bands from Hopewell Valley Central High School and Timberlane Middle School, according to Mr. Ryan. Young dancers from Danceworks will also be taking part, along with a Washington Crossing reenactors group and an ice sculptor.
“The First Baptist Church of Pennington is going to be doing a roving choir routine,” Mr. Ryan said, adding that Pennington Presbyterian Church will also be participating. “We’re also speaking to a number of other groups.”
He also shared that a number of high school clubs and non-profit organizations have been approached about possibly setting up tables along Main Street to sell cookies and other items as a fundraiser.
“We’re inviting everyone and anyone to escort the dance groups and the marching band to proceed with Santa down Main Street,” Mr. Ryan said.
Pennington Mayor Anthony Persichilli thanked Mr. Ryan for speaking to the Borough Council about plans for the Holiday Walk.
“I appreciate the update on it and look forward to it,” the mayor said.
Mr. Ryan said he is hoping for good weather the evening of the walk.
“A little snow would be okay. That would be perfect,” he said.
