QUICK PICKS

By: Staff

Christmas parade

   The Ladies Auxiliary of Hightstown Engine Co. 1 will sponsor its annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 this evening. The parade will start at Hightstown High School on Leshin Lane, will proceed downtown and end at the firehouse, where Santa will pull the switch to turn on the holiday lights in the downtown area.
   Everyone is invited to the firehouse afterward, where children can have their picture taken with Santa ($2 each) and enjoy refreshments. All are welcome to participate. Call (732) 438-3668 for more information.
   The auxiliary is collecting new, unwrapped toys for needy children in the Hightstown-East Windsor area. Toys may be brought to the firehouse and will be distributed by the Hightstown Service Agency.
Holiday fiesta

   The Latina Women’s Council of Mercer County Inc. Hightstown-East Windsor Chapter will hold a holiday fiesta from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. tonight at the Ramada Inn of East Windsor, 379 Monmouth St. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Minors age 16-18 must be accompanied by an adult.
   For information, call Nilda Garcia, 443-4836 or Luz N. Horta, 443-3118.
Shopping spree

   The East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. Auxiliary will hold a Partylite and Mary Kay Holiday Shopping Spree from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the firehouse, One Mile Road, East Windsor. Partylite and Mary Kay will have gift baskets for men, women and children. There also will be refreshments, door prizes and a 50/50.
   For more information, call Marie Thayer, 371-0147 or Dawn Robbins, 448-5299.
Folk concert

   Outta Sights and Sounds and the East Windsor Recreation Department will present Cheryl Wheeler and Lucy Kaplansky in concert at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Grace Norton Rogers School theater, Stockton Street and Oak Lane, Hightstown.
   Tickets are $20. For tickets and information, call 259-5764.?
Craft & business expo

   A holiday craft and business expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Twin Rivers Community Room. All local businesses are invited to participate in the event, which is sponsored by Twin Rivers Fire Victims Rescue. Proceeds will aid fire victims in rebuilding their homes and replacing furnishings.
   There is a $20 registration fee for vendors. For information, call 443-5465 or 426-8848, or e-mail [email protected]
Blood drive

   Congregation Toras Emes will sponsor a Red Cross blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Shalom Torah Academy, 639 Abbington Drive in Twin Rivers. For information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-933-2566. Walk-ins also are welcome.