By SHANNON CAULFIELD
The Medford Sun
Families crowded Medford’s Main Street in the holiday spirit on Saturday, Dec. 8 for the 23rd annual Dickens Festival.
The event, run by the Medford Sunrise Rotary, drew approximately 7,000 visitors to Main Street, according to Richard Lechner, president of the Sunrise Rotary and owner of Lechner Funeral Home.
“I love seeing the smiles, without a doubt. It’s a family fun thing,” said Lechner.
The Rotary organizes the festival over eight months, with constant meetings and planning, said Lechner.
“We touch base with everybody. Everybody who’s involved goes through the Rotary. We make sure of what they’re going to do, when they’re going to do it,” said Lechner.
Actors in era clothing sung carols as well as greeted guests. Additionally, works by Charles Dickens was read to children.
“I think it’s all really well received,” said Lechner. “People love it, it’s a wonderful event here in Medford.”
This is the second year the Rotary has run the event. However, Lechner has been involved with the festival for the past 20 years.
Approximately 30 vendors, in addition to businesses along Main Street, opened their doors to patrons to eat, shop and visit with friends and family members.
“It’s wonderful for us because so many people visit us that may not have before,” said Janet Jackson-Gould, chairperson of the Medford Arts Center and recording secretary of the Medford Village Business Association. “It’s nice seeing old friends. People will come through the door I haven’t seen in awhile. I saw an old high school friend, and that’s a thrill.”
Guests were able to watch an ice sculptor, view a live nativity scene provided by Medford Methodist Church, listen to a live band, sing along with carolers, and listen to a town crier. A choir sung on the stairs of the old bank on Union Street, in addition, guests were able to listen instrumental Christmas music and performers.
Former Philadelphia Eagle Tra Thomas was in attendance to light the Christmas tree and serve as the grand marshal of the festival.
Thomas has been a resident of Medford for the past 12 years, however this was the first year he was able to bring his family to the festival.
“We’re all excited to be here,” said Thomas. “I’m enjoying being here with my family.”
Medford residents who have left and come back to the town have made a point to visit the festival each year.
“I come for family tradition,” said Marlton resident Sue Kraemer who recently moved back from Gloucester County three years ago. “We’ve lived in Medford on and off for 40 years. We come back every year to the Dickens Festival.”
The festival helped bring the spirit of the holidays to Medford.
“I always stay in the spirit of the holidays,” said Mayor James “Randy” Pace. “There were a lot of people here, Santa was here and the weather was beautiful. This was a great event.”
The festival helped to contribute to the success of the rehabilitation process township council has been planning for Main Street.
“Because we’ve got so many new businesses as opposed to last year, a lot of these businesses for the first time are really getting a chance to be seen,” said Pace. “I think that big things come next year as it relates to redevelopment. Nothing bad here, it’s all great.”
Lechner and the Rotary have already begun the planning process for next year’s festival.
They wish to expand past Route 70 and include North Main Street in the occasion as well as creating a laser light show, according to Lechner.
“It’s great for Medford, there’s no doubt about it,” said Lechner. “It brings people down into the village, it brings people down into these shops. It just makes Main Street light up.”
