For Immediate Release:

December 2, 2011

Christmas tree lighting kicks of holiday season

Festivities conclude with a visit from Santa Claus

FREEHOLD – A traditional Christmas tree-lighting ceremony outside the Monmouth County Hall of Records Dec. 1 brought a big crowd to downtown Freehold.

Those in attendance enjoyed holiday music featuring the Rock ’n’ Roll Chorus, an a cappella group comprised of high school students that covered many Christmas classics but also delivered a rousing rendition of Freehold Native Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run.”

The music, together with the background of historic buildings that line Main Street, helps set the stage for a picture postcard start to the holiday season.

And all eyes were on the 20-foot Norway spruce as Freeholder Director Robert D. Clifton and Deputy Director John P. Curley and other local dignitaries assisted Ashley Fuentes of Girl Scout Troop 2780 flip the switch to light the tree.  

“Once again, Monmouth County and Downtown Freehold have partnered to usher in the holiday season in a memorable, family-oriented way,” Clifton said. “The Girl Scouts did a wonderful job decorating the tree this year and the Rock ’n’ roll Chorus was magnificent.”   

For the first time in many years the Monmouth County “downtown Christmas tree” got a makeover. The tree was decorated by the Girl Scouts, who made brand new, eco-friendly ornaments.

“The tree was harvested from one of our 38 county parks – Charleston Springs Golf Course in Millstone Township,” Curley said. “Our county parks are beautiful to visit and give us joy every day. This holiday season one of our parks has come to us in downtown Freehold.”

The tree rolled into downtown Freehold last week aboard a large flatbed truck. It was erected by the  county’s Building & Grounds crews in preparation for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by Downtown Freehold.

The evening’s festivities were capped with a visit from Santa Claus, who arrived aboard a screaming red fire truck and was greeted enthusiastically by hundreds of children.

“As we open our hearts this time of year, let us remember that the holidays are a time for peace, love and hope,” Clifton said. “On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, I wish you and your families all of the joys the holiday season can possibly bring.”

#     #     #