By: Najla Alexander
Belleville officials announced that it’s the most wonderful time of the year when the Honorable Mayor Michael Melham, the Township Council, and the entire township join in a wish of making spirits bright!
There will be carolers, trackless train rides, and much more at this year’s annual Winter Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting event on Saturday, Dec. 9, officials said.
Officials say the event will be held at Belleville High School starting at 5:30 p.m.
There will be a petting zoo, horse-drawn carriage rides, music, and food vendors, face painting, candy cane mazes, and much more, no matter whether you’ve been naughty or nice.
The tree lighting is scheduled for 8 p.m., according to officials.
“The holiday cheer that this event generates each year is hard to put into words,” Melham said. “When Belleville opens its hearts and hearths for the holidays, it’s enough to warm the hearts of every Grinch or Scrooge.”
The rain date will be Sunday, Dec. 10, officials say.
For children who won’t be able to attend the Winter Festival and will miss the chance to get their photo taken with Santa Claus, they can still write him a letter. (But time is ticking away, kiddies.)
Officials stated three mailboxes have been placed around Belleville where children of all ages can drop their letters, postage-free, no later than Dec. 15.
The mailboxes are at Town Hall (152 Washington Ave.), the Belleville Public Library (221 Washington Ave.), and Silver Lake Fire House (134 Franklin St.), officials said.
Officials say to please include the child’s name and address, the school the child attends, the grade, and something the child is proud they did this past year. Also, include what the child is wishing and hoping for this year and any other key details for Santa’s perusing.
A holiday toy drive will be held at Brix Restaurant at 371 Franklin Ave. on Dec. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m., officials said
Unwrapped toys will be collected for local children, officials stated, with some of them going toward Belleville’s annual Three Kings Day event next month.
Officials say residents will get a free drink with their donations of unwrapped toys.
Speaking of the holiday spirit of giving, officials said the Belleville Police Department will be holding its second-annual Pack a Police Car Food Drive on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
According to officials, the police will be asking residents to help fill a police cruiser with non-perishable food items that will be donated to local food pantries.