The Community House of Moorestown will host its tree-lighting celebration on Dec. 5.
“This is our 10th annual tree lighting, which is really exciting, just knowing that this tradition has been going on in Moorestown for that long, and we feel that it grows in numbers and excitement each year,” said Caryn Lynch, the community house executive director.
There will be music from the Moorestown High School Madrigals and DJ Blake, and hot cocoa donated by Brandywine Senior Living. Meteorologist Kathy Orr will broadcast the event live on FOX29.
Two nonprofits, Kennedy’s Cause and MooreKids, will collect toy donations for children in need. A saxophone quartet from the township high-school band will perform, along with two youth dance groups from the township rec department.
Residents gather on the lawn of the Community House to help light the Norway Spruce, donated in 2013 in memory of Patricia Palio.
“Right now, we’re actually getting it remeasured this year because it hasn’t been measured in at least four or five years,” Lynch noted. “At last check, it was 25 feet tall, but we are certain that it has grown.”
“In a couple of weeks, when we have the lights installed on the tree, we’re going to have it re-measured, and we’re excited to see how much it’s grown.”
A menorah donated by the Moorestown Jewish Association will also be lit.
Lynch described what it’s like to see groups such as MoorArts, Moorestown Relief Engine Company and Community House board members work together to make the event happen.
“It’s a brief event, but it packs a big punch within the time frame,” she said. “This is a great example of a community coming together. It really is such a collaborative, community effort, and it is really wonderful to see, especially at the holiday season.”
She called the reaction to seeing the tree first lit “magical.”
“The families are together, you can see magic in their eyes,” Lynch explained. “You can just feel everyone’s excitement about not only the holiday season starting, but just being a part of such a great community event.
“It really is just a special few seconds and that really bleeds into that evening, the following week and the weeks leading up to Christmas.”
Lynch is proud to have participated in the celebration – one she said creates emotional connections in the community – since its inception.
“As a resident, it’s very special to be able to work at the community house during the holidays and be a part of it as a community member and as a staff member,” she pointed out.
“I feel lucky to have this in our community; it really is truly special.”
The tree lighting ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m.
