Grab your shovels, the snow is coming! That’s what experts are saying about the upcoming winter season. But whether or not the predictions turn out to be correct, the upcoming season in Harrison Township features events that include holiday gatherings and community craft shows.
Lights on Main — A Celebration of the Christmas Season
Harrison Township will host its biggest celebration of the year, Lights on Main, from 5 to 9 p.m Nov. 30 (rain date Dec. 1). The event has been named one of the best in the county from the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce.
Main Street will be shut down from Woodland Avenue to Folwell Lane. Guests can witness the 7 p.m. tree lighting ceremony at Old Town Hall. Toward the intersection of Arbour Lane and Main Street, they can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for pictures and enjoy classic holiday movies on the big screen. Harrison Township School District Superintendent Margaret “Missy” Peretti will read brief, hand-selected essays from students in grades kindergarten to 6th. The essays’ theme is “How we can make the world a better place.”
Public restrooms will be available at different locations throughout Main Street, including blueplate restaurant’s remote parking lot (main stage area), blueplate’s main parking lot, OKKA’s parking lot, Mullica Hill Baptist Church’s front parking lot, Naples’ parking lot, the Nancy Kowalik Real Estate Group lot and an open lot on North Main Street. Free shuttles begin at 3:30 p.m. from designated parking areas. North side parking will be located at Chianti’s lot, Ella Harris’ parking lot (Route 77) and the municipal building. Parking on the south side will be at the Amish Market and the Harrison Elementary School American Legion parking lot. Handicap parking can be found on both the north and south sides of Main Street, at East Avenue and US Construction Group, 79 S. Main St.
Night of Lights Country Christmas Hayride
Located at Mullica Hill’s Creamy Acres Farm, Night of Lights Country Christmas Hayride features an old fashioned hayride through the farm, complete with holiday lights, a Nativity scene and Christmas music. The hayride is open every Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 14, and daily from Dec. 16 to 21. Tickets are available online and at the door; they are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older and $10 for children 3 to 12. Visit www.NightofLightsHayride.com for more information.
Mantua Township’s Winter Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting
Mantua Township hosts a winter festival and Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at Chestnut Branch Park from 4 to 8 p.m Nov. 30. The event is free and will include fireworks, food trucks (cash needed), music, rides and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Visit www.MantuaTownship.com for more information. Rain date is Dec. 1, with the same start time.
Cookie Bake Sale and Christmas Shop
Richwood United Methodist Church hosts its cookie bake sale and Christmas shop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7. Attendees can pick their own cookies from a variety of homemade creations. In addition to the pick-your-own-cookies line, there will be a bake table, breakfast and lunch items for sale, craft and gift vendors. Visit www.RichwoodChurch.org for more information.
Clearview Craft Fair
Join the Clearview Marching Band from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 for a morning of crafts and music at Clearview Regional Middle School, 595 Jefferson Road. For more information, visit https://www.viewband.org/craft-show or search Clearview Regional High School Marching Band on Facebook.
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America has selected Harrison Township Elementary School (HTS) as a stop for its annual event, where veterans and wreaths make their way to Arlington Cemetery. At approximately 9 a.m. Dec. 12, a large convoy led by police will be accompanied by veterans and dozens of vehicles. They will enter the school, where students will present their thanks and appreciation to vets. Local memorials and Gold Star Families will be presented with wreaths provided by Wreaths Across America.
All township veterans who attend will receive a gift from students. The convoy will leave by 10 a.m. and proceed on its journey. Wreaths Across America will live stream the event. For more information on the organization, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Veterans or members of a Gold Star Family who reside within the township can contact Chad Flexon at (856) 478-2016, ext. 7129, or [email protected].
46th Annual Historic Mullica Hill House Tour
The Mullica Hill Business Association will present its 46th annual house lights tour and visit with Santa from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1. Guests can walk through historic homes along Main Street; bonfires and hot chocolate spots will be featured. Tickets can be purchased for $15 by searching the event on www.ticketleap.com. Children under 5 are free.
