By Jeff Bahr
On Sunday December 4, Nutley’s biggest holiday extravaganza – the annual Tree and Menorah Lighting –went off without a hitch.
An enormous number of people ranging in age from very young to “don’t you dare
ask!” turned out for the joyous event at the Walker Middle School on Franklin Ave. There, the holiday revelers enjoyed unseasonably mild temperatures which allowed them to frolic rather than shiver near the soon-to-be-lit tree.
The festivities began promptly at 5:00 p.m. with indoor recitals by the Elementary
School Choir, The Walker Middle School Madrigal Singers, and the High School Choralettes. Then, the Walker Middle School Jazz Band took over and got the joint a jumpin’ with a swinging rendition of “Jingle Bells.” Finally, the Nutley High School Brass Ensemble tempered the mood a bit with a more subdued but equally enjoyable version of “Silent Night.”
A bake sale with proceeds to benefit the Friends of Nutley Singers and the Nutley
Music Boosters was held in the school’s cafeteria, and for those short of coin, free
coffee and donuts were also available. Across the way, Old Saint Nick sat majestically
on his throne awaiting visits from dozens of happy children, as one extraordinarily
patient photographer did his level best to make them all smile for the birdie.
But the fun wasn’t limited to the school’s interior. Outside, two horse-drawn Christmas carriages made continuous loops around the football stadium, with a dozen or so happy travelers inside of each wagon.
This looked to be the event’s most popular free attraction given the fact that at least 300 individuals (yes, I counted) stood in line alongside Franklin Ave. awaiting their turn. A multi-car, mini-train also took people for rides.
A petting zoo, featuring sheep, goats, a bunny rabbit, even a llama, was situated
beside a roped-off area where children were treated to pony rides. Just to its side volunteers roasted chestnuts on open fires (what else?) and distributed them free of charge, while street vendors plied their trade selling fun, if fattening, staples like soft pretzels and popcorn.
As the scheduled 7 p.m. switch-flipping moment approached, the audience was treated to a final performance by the Brass Ensemble, who had now moved outdoors.
Then it was 10, 9, 8 … all the way down to the big moment. As the tree and Menorah lights jumped to life, the appreciative crowd let loose with thunderous applause and another successful Christmas ceremony was in the books.
