Video: Santa’s reindeer came through again!
By Kevin Coughlin
Santa Claus is comin’ to town.
No, wait– he’s already here!
With help from the Morristown Fire Department, the Jolly One descended from the Century 21 roof on Sunday night to squeals of delight from throngs of waiting children.
A large contingent of Morristown police escorted him through the mob scene to his Santa House, where he will be taking orders every weekend until Christmas.
Fortunately, the crowd did not include the black bear that chewed up some holiday lights last month.
(No doubt, this explains Santa’s heavy security detail… though presumably, he’s had experience with polar bears.)
There was a duck, however. “Quack” belongs to Bri Taquinto of Randolph, and as long as everyone hankers for turkey on Thanksgiving, this feathered pet is likely to keep returning to these Christmas gatherings.
In fact, Quack ate turkey stuffing on Thursday, according to Bri’s dad, Dominick Taquinto.
Santa counted down, and holiday colors burst forth on the Green, as the Morristown Partnership kicked off its 14th Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green.
But holiday lighting of the Green goes back 102 years, said the Partnership’s Karen Carvelli.
She estimated Sunday’s attendance at between 2,500 and 3,000 people, on a crisp night with temperatures around 50 degrees.
“I’m happy, because it’s Christmas and the people are happy,” said Luz Ramirez, who brought her son, Sebastian, 2 1/2, to glimpse Santa.
The festivities started with theatrics from Morristown High School students, who gave a sneak preview of next weekend’s production of A Christmas Carol. The Morris Choral Society led a round of carols, under the baton of new Director Matthew Lee.
Next weekend promises miniature train rides, ice sculpting, caroling and stories by Frozen’s Anna and Elsa– portrayed by the Carvelli girls, Tess and Jessie.
A Tuba Christmas returns to the Green on Dec. 19, 2015.
And Santa will hang around for last-minute wish lists on Monday, Dec. 21, and Tuesday, Dec. 22. Morris Arts will conclude the Festival with a Winter Wonderland luminary parade on that Tuesday evening.
Please click icon below for slideshow captions.
Young Anastasia Booth of Mine Hill had no list as she awaited her turn with Santa on Sunday. Nor had she any idea what to ask him; meeting him seemed like plenty.
Anastasia’s mom, Ellen, brought no special requests, either.
“I got all I need,” Ellen Booth said, nodding at her daughter. “I got her. Her love is the biggest present.”
Thank you for describing the season for what it is meant to be. MERRY CHRISTMAS
The celebration of the birth of Christ.
Been like that for 2,000 years.
Unfortunately The PC police see it differently.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HANUKKAH to all.
We are a Judeo Christian Nation.