Asbury Park celebrates season with tree-lightings
Posted on: 12/07/2008
ASBURY PARK - With the smell of fresh baked goods from inside the Grand Arcade and the sounds of holiday music performed by Tim McLoone and the Shirleys on the boardwalk, the holiday season was in the crisp, cool air Saturday night in front of Convention Hall.
Sponsored by Madison Marquette, the city held not one, but two simultaneous holiday tree-lightings Saturday night, one inside the Grand Arcade and the other on the boardwalk.
"This is a special event to celebrate the boardwalk and the waterfront and all of our merchants along the boardwalk and in the Grand Arcade," said Gary Mottola, president of Madison Marquette.
"Asbury Park is all about entertainment, music, events and celebrations. That's what its history is. I think that's the soul of the community and the heart of the community, so we want to have a celebration," Mottola said.
About 100 people stood, some danced and sang, outside of Convention Hall as the band played holiday songs before the lighting of the trees. The outside tree stood about 20 feet tall and was placed over the entrance to the Grand Arcade.
Inside Convention Hall, white holiday lights were strung across the ceiling of the arcade and holiday wreaths hung on the windows and doors of the stores and restaurants. The second tree, which measured over 30 feet tall, donned red ornaments in the center of the arcade among the many stores and restaurants.
After a countdown from 10, special guest Debbie DeLisa, co-owner of the Wonder Bar and native of Asbury Park, had the task of lighting both trees.
"This is a very big honor," DeLisa said. "I'm really proud to be lighting the trees, and Christmas is such a special time. It's great," she said.
Sitting on a bench on the boardwalk and taking in the sounds of the band with her family, Erin Looft of Ocean Grove said she came out to see a film earlier in the day at The Paramount, and to hear the music.
"It's a great coordinated effort for the community. They make it easier for us to get in the spirit," said Susan Bell, Looft's mother. "It's kind of hard to get in the spirit this year with finances the way they are," Bell said.
Newcomers to the tree-lighting, James and Dawn Young of Neptune, said their family came to support the boardwalk and Asbury Park.
"It's a total transformation, and it's so good to see because Asbury Park is such a great place to be," said Dawn.
By CHRISTINA VEGA • COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU • December 7, 2008
