60 attend Hardyston’s Christmas tree lighting
HARDYSTON. The Fire Department and Santa will continue their visits on weekends through Dec. 17.
| 09 Dec 2022 | 08:26
Santa arrives on a firetruck at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony Friday, Dec. 2 in Hardyston. (
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Residents surround the Christmas tree at the municipal building in Hardyston. (
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Dana Vitz, left, who organized the event, poses with Hardyston Recreation Committee members, from left, Mary Purcell, Kathy Judd and Dave Van Ginneken. (
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From left are Hardyston Councilman Stanley Kula, Mayor Frank Cicerale, Deputy Mayor Santo Verrilli, and Councilmen Carl Miller and Brian Kaminski. (
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About 60 people braved cold temperatures to watch the Christmas tree lighting ceremony Friday, Dec. 2 at the municipal building on Wheatsworth Road.
The Recreation Committee and Township Council hosted the annual event.
Dana Vitz, confidential executive assistant and registrar, organized the event, which began indoors with crafts for children at various tables.
Vitz’s table had homemade gingerbread cookie packages with decorations along with little bags of icing.
Recreation Committee member Bob Califano handed out packages with an ornament and decorations that children can make and hang on their trees.
Mary Purcell, Kathy Judd and Dave Van Ginneken, also members of the Recreation Committee, handed out hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes.
Later, Santa arrived with members of the Fire Department on firetrucks decorated for the season, and children lined up to talk to him.
Councilman Stanley Kula recognized Mayor Frank Cicerale, Deputy Mayor Santo Verrilli, and Councilmen Brian Kaminski and Carl Miller.
Officials and many children helped switch on the lights on the Christmas tree amid holiday music.
The Fire Department began its annual Santa Run on Sunday, Dec. 4 and will continue visiting towns each weekend through Sunday, Dec. 17.