Fanwood Celebrates the Season

Fanwood residents had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of holiday-themed activities on Sunday afternoon as part of the borough's annual holiday celebration.

Music filled the air at the event, which was held on the north side of the Fanwood Train Station. The sounds of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Chamber Choir could be heard from a distance, as could that of other high school students who brought their band there to play holiday tunes.

Children in attendance entertained themselves with a number of tasks, including guessing the number of lights on the Christmas tree and making snowmen, glittery snowflakes and other crafts. But the main event of the day, and the reason for the big crowds, was Santa. Children lined up with their parents for the whole length of the tent and out the door as they waited patiently for their turn to assure Santa that they had been good children and to tell him what they wished for under their Christmas trees this year. Santa's message to all was a pleasant one: "Have a merry Christmas, a joyous one, a safe one. And may we have peace in this world."

The celebration culminated at 5 p.m. with the tree lighting. After the crowd counted down to zero, the switch was hit and multicolor lights illuminated the tree. Children ran around and played as the lights lit up the night sky, while the chamber choir continued to delight listeners with songs.

Look at the photos at the right for a glimpse of the event.