Christmas Trees Return To The Ave In Two Downtown Projects

The spirit of the holidays is again coming to downtown Vineland—The Ave—in a big way through tree-related events organized by Main Street Vineland.

—–Christmas Tree Decorating Contest— Christmas trees have returned to The Ave, thanks to 125 Vineland Public School students who decorated and placed them in the windows of selected downtown storefronts on November 22.

The project, continues a 10-year tradition, brings students and the community closer together through the establishment of youth programs that, in turn, builds a stronger relationship between our school district and local businesses.

The public will be able to vote online for the best Christmas tree by going to Main Street Vineland’s Facebook page. The deadline for all voting is 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. The three top winners will receive Ave Bucks, redeemable at Main Street Vineland.

“This annual event continues a partnership between Main Street Vineland and the Vineland Public Schools to enhance the holiday spirit on The Ave,” said Vineland Public Schools Supervisor of Instruction Ross Stanger, “and to further show how unity and diversity connect the elements of our community. This is one facet of a partnership with Main Street Vineland that is also manifested in their Scarecrow Challenge and Pumpkin Patch Party.”

Chanukah menorahs will also be added to selected storefronts during this holiday season, courtesy of the Jewish Federation of Cumberland, Gloucester & Salem Counties.

—–CommUNITY Tree Lighting on The Ave—Another project that will bring the community together is the third annual CommUNITY Tree Lighting on The Ave, to take place on Monday, December 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the southwest mini-park, at Landis Avenue and the Boulevard. The event is sponsored by Lidl.

“Are you a member of a club, religious organization, non-profit, etc.? Why not bring an ornament that reflects your mission, cone out and hang it on the tree alongside others? We’ll have refreshments, fun, and fellowship to warm body and soul. The tree will then be lit to show to all the spirit of unity and inclusiveness,” said Main Street Vineland Associate Director Robert Scarpa. The winners of the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest will also be announced.

The tree will be up through January 3 for those individuals or groups to add ornaments, but could not be present for the tree-lighting event.

“This event, already a tradition on The Ave, has been taking place around the country and—as CommUNITY implies—it is meant to be a project of unity that will bring people of beliefs, faiths, and creeds together during this time of togetherness,” he said. “This is Vineland’s way of contributing to a century-old tradition, when the first Community Christmas tree was raised in New York’s Madison Square Park.

“I cannot think of a better way to not only celebrate the holidays and make The Ave a focal point for our holiday celebration, but also engage our schools, organizations, and individuals in a spirit of goodwill,” said Main Street Vineland Executive Director Russell Swanson. “Show your support by voting for your favorite Christmas Tree and coming out and helping to decorate the CommUNITY Tree—to make this a great holiday season on The Ave.”