Ringing in the holiday shopping season, the Moorestown Business Association is set to host the 34th Annual Candlelight Night Event on Main Street from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1.
With many businesses opening their doors for some nighttime shopping, Moorestown Business Association board of directors member Adrienne Cooper said the event is a way to bring shoppers out to Main Street with the holidays on the horizon.
“Basically, the whole idea is to kick off the holiday shopping season,” Cooper said.
In addition to the number of businesses that will be open during this time, entertainment will be provided by the Moorestown Theater Company, which will be preforming a brief presentation of its upcoming shows.
Moorestown Business Association president and producing artistic director for the Moorestown Theater Company Mark Morgan said that members from all three upcoming shows will perform a number from each production with Disney’s “The Jungle Book” up first, since opening night for the show is scheduled for Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. at Westfield Friends School in Cinnaminson.
“I got to get them up first, so they can get home and get some sleep,” Morgan said.
In addition, members from the Moorestown Theater Company will also perform one or two numbers from “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which will open on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m., and “Willy Wonka Jr.,” which opens on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. All showings of both productions will be held at Upper Elementary School.
Performances by the Moorestown Theater Company are expected to begin at approximately 7 p.m. in front of the First Baptist Church of Moorestown.
To promote ongoing park efforts on the corner of Main and High streets, the Friends of Percheron Park will also be hosting horse drawn carriage rides, pulled by Percheron horses.
The Moorestown Business Association is comprised of more than 270 members with retail, professional and non-profit businesses in the Moorestown area.
Cooper said she will be at the table for the Moorestown Business Association during Candlelight Night, handing out glow sticks to children.
“I have 500 strings to put through,” Cooper said in reference to preparing her handouts.
Sitting at the entrance of the First Baptist Church of Moorestown will be the Moorestown Business Association table. Cooper explained that with the table outside, she could help direct people into the church, which will house the nonprofit tables this year.
Cooper explained that although the nonprofits’ tables were located in the Moorestown Community House last year, the venue had booked a wedding on Nov. 1, forcing the Moorestown Business Association to find an alternative location.
Organizations at the First Baptist Church include The Evergreens, the Moorestown Improvement Association and the Moorestown Friends School.
In addition, Cooper also explained that in anticipation of a large turnout, Main Street would be closed from Church to Chestnut streets for safety purposes.
“You don’t want traffic when there’s a lot of children around,” Cooper said.
To keep the children entertained while the parents make their way downtown, Cooper said there would also be stilt walkers, musical groups and magicians along Main Street.
Cooper also added that Candlelight Night serves as a way for local businesses to celebrate their patrons.
“It’s also a way for local business to thank their customers and show off what’s new for the holiday season,” Cooper said.
For more information, contact Cooper at [email protected] or call (609) 760–2985.
