One of the larger turnouts in recent years
By Nick Norlen Staff Writer
It felt like a normal late November day during Palmer Square’s 23rd annual Tree Lighting celebration in Princeton this Friday, but the brisk temperatures apparently didn’t keep shoppers from hitting the stores for Black Friday buys.
It remains to be seen whether the square’s popularity will continue throughout the holidays.
Palmer Square marketing director Anita Franzelone estimated that Friday’s event drew at least 2,500 people — one of the larger turnouts over the years.
”It was a big family event for sure. And we got some good feedback that there were a lot of people shopping before and after,” she said. “A lot of hot chocolate flowed.”
Described by the square’s Web site as a “town-wide holiday kick-off,” the event featured musical performances and an appearance by Santa, who, along with strolling musicians and singers, will inhabit the square every Saturday and Sunday until the end of the season.
Ms. Franzelone said the festive atmosphere encourages visitors to stay and shop on the square longer.
”It’s a good setting for that,” she said. “I think people have a lot of rituals around it — about meeting up there and going to dinner afterwards. Just making it tradition.”
Though she said information about the amount of customer flow is “really anecdotal from the stores,” Ms. Franzelone said the square has definitely seen an increase in garage traffic — an indication of more visitors.
”A lot more in and out going on,” she said. “You can just tell that the number of visitors in town are up.”
The true story, she said, will be told by the sales numbers come January.
In the meantime, Palmer Square is also planning its annual Hanukkah Celebration, which will feature a Menorah lighting on the North Plaza of the square — near Mediterra restaurant on Hulfish Street — Dec. 6 at 5 p.m.