30th Annual Holiday On Main Kicks Off Friday

From Jeff Pugliese, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce
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Thomas Byrne, Chairman of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Central Business Bureau, announced Holiday On Main Street will kick-off on Friday, November 27 from 4:00 p.m to 8:15 p.m. The Holiday on Main Street Committee, chaired by Al Santostefano and co-chairman Rich Greco, in conjunction with the City  and the Commission on the Arts, invites everyone to ring in the festive season by attending the three tree-lighting ceremonies and parade along Main Street. Last year, over 2,500 people were able to enjoy the holiday sights and sounds on the South Green and more are expected this year.

At 4:00 p.m. in front of Middlesex Chamber, there will be wagon rides until 5:00 p.m. and the Kiwanis Club of Middletown members will be selling Hot Pretzels & Popcorn. In front of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Middletown High School Crew Team will be selling Hot Chocolate, Coffee & Desserts. At 5:00 p.m. Middletown Area Transit Holiday Bus will shuttle people to the South Green for the Carol Sing and First Tree Lighting.

The Carol Sing with the Middletown High School Concert Choir will begin at 5:00 p.m. prior to the tree-lightings, directed by Michael Gosselin and the Woodrow Wilson 7th & 8th Grade Chorus. The Keigwin Middle School Chorus will appear, directed by Ali Sinicrope sponsored by Commission On the Arts, with Emcee Don DeCesare from WMRD / WLIS Radio. The Cat in the Hat and Splat the Cat arrives on a wagon ride with 3rd grade Middletown students, who were chosen by their teachers because they show good citizenship, good behavior, is respectful to others and demonstrates the spirit of giving in everyday life.

The first Tree-Lighting at 6:00 p.m. will be the big tree on the South Green and will be led by Mayor Daniel Drew and Santa Claus along with Alexis Volpe, Miss Middletown Outstanding Teen 2016.

After the Tree is lit on the South Green, there will be a Parade up Main Street led by the Middletown High School Band and Santa Claus to the Middlesex Chamber where the Tree on the roof will be lit at 6:15 p.m. for the second Tree-Lighting of the night followed by free pictures with Santa, wagon rides for the whole family until 8:00 p.m.

At 8:15 p.m. there will be festivities in front of Eli Cannon’s Tap Room at 695 Main Street for the third and final Tree-Lighting of the night.  Here, Santa will arrive to light the Tree and there will be elves on hand to provide all children with complimentary popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate and other treats.