Moorestown residents gathered on the front lawn of the Community House on Nov. 29 for the 9th annual tree lighting and holiday celebration, an event that was canceled last year because of COVID.
“It’s been a great tradition (here) in Moorestown and it kicks off the holiday season,” said Caryn Lynch, executive director for the Community House.
The Moorestown High School Madrigals, the school’s band and DJ Blake Rouen performed Christmas carols, and the Phillie Phanatic and Santa made surprise appearances.
“This was the first year that we had the band, which I loved,” said Community House board member Haynes Hendrickson. “It (just) felt perfect for a little hometown (thing).”
Brandywine Senior Living provided hot cocoa for refreshments and Kennedy’s Cause and MooreKids volunteers collected toys, books, food and crafts for different causes.
The holiday tree, donated by Moorestown residents Laurie and Pete Palko, was lit by Bayada nurses.
“Every year, amongst our board, we … use it as a way to recognize somebody,” Hendrickson noted. “We didn’t have the event last year, so this year we thought it would be such a (good) focus on first responders and nurses.”
Moorestown resident and FOX 29 meteorologist Kathy Orr broadcast the tree lighting live.
“This is the ninth year that we have celebrated with a tree lighting (here) at this beautiful Community House,” Orr said.
A menorah on the Community House lawn, placed by the Moorestown Jewish Association (MJA), was lit during the ceremony in celebration of Hanukkah.
Last year, the tree was lit, but a ceremony was not held for the public.
Lynch was thrilled to see eager families and residents.
“We’re so excited to be back in person,” she noted. “This is (definitely) an event that relies on community and coming together, and it’s (just) so much (more) fun and celebratory when we can all be together.”
The township fire department ended the night by escorting Santa down Main Street.
“It’s great,” Hendrickson said. “It seems to bring out the new crop of young kids and young families.”
