Holiday season kicks off in West Orange

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WEST ORANGE, NJ — The holiday season in West Orange kicked off Friday, Nov. 30, and continued throughout the weekend with the help of the township, school district and community members.

Toys were donated for Mayor Robert Parisi’s annual toy drive, and will be wrapped and delivered to needy families, thanks to the Mayor’s Sunshine Fund and Social Services Department. The West Orange High School jazz band, under the direction of Lew Kelly, entertained guests with holiday songs.

On Dec. 1, the annual trolley tours and special events along Main Street highlighted the day, and on Dec. 2, the old-fashioned Christmas tree-lighting ceremony was held, with performances by the Vienna School of Music and Unique Performance Dance.

The West Orange High School Jr. AFROTC was on hand to help with the merriment, handing out hot chocolate and cookies, manning the inflatable snow globe and petting zoo, and helping with the children’s trolley ride, which featured holiday characters.

Parisi gathered the children together to help with the tree lighting, and the smiles on faces kept the drizzle at bay. Santa then arrived, ready to meet with the children in his “workshop,” aka Council Chambers.

Photos Courtesy of WOSD