Spirit of Christmas lights up Vineland City Hall
VINELAND - Not a Grinch was in sight Sunday night, as Christmas lovers helped make the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony one to remember.
The ceremony preceded everyone’s favorite part — the lighting of the towering evergreen tree (estimated at more than 20 feet) hoisted up outside. Mayor Ruben Bermudez and his wife, Sandrie, played hosts to an evening full of Christmas songs, poem recitals, prayers and speeches inside City Hall.
“This is my first time here. It’s really nice, really festive,” Seabrook resident Joann Heard said. “This is a nice thing to happen.”
Residents were entertained with live renditions of well-known Christmas songs and well-wishes from local officials.
“It is a very special time of year,” said state Sen. Jeff Van Drew, accompanied by Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak and Assemblyman-elect Bruce Land. “I want to wish you the very best.”
Santa Claus himself made an appearance to talk about the preparations he’s making up at the North Pole.
“I love coming down here,” said Santa, played by Public Safety Director Edwin Alicea. “I’m really looking forward to Christmas time in Vineland.”
Before everyone made their way out to see the jolly green tree lit up like Christmas morning, Bermudez issued a proclamation honoring the local woman who donated the evergreen.
“It’s the perfect gift for you for Christmas,” Kris Garrison said of the 30-year-old tree that was relocated to City Hall from her West Wheat Road home a few weeks ago.
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“It’s a wonderful tree; it seems to have a new dimension now,” Garrison’s ex-husband, David Mougakos said.
Once outside, everyone counted down to the moment when the lights turned on.
“Merry Christmas!” Bermudez exclaimed as everyone rejoiced.
Children were invited to place their own ornaments on the tree.
Seventeen-year-old Destiny Esquilin remembered attending the ceremony throughout her childhood.
“I used to come here as a kid,” she said. “It’s a magical thing.”
Daniel J. Kov: (856) 563-5262; dkov@gannettnj.com