CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN HISTORIC KEYPORT
Released: October 31, 2002

KEYPORT, NJ – The holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to experience “The Pearl of The Bayshore” – as this harbor-front community is known – at its most polished and glittering.

For members of the community and visitors alike, Keyport Business Alliance advocate Kathaleen R. Shaw says the group has planned two special events that offer an opportunity to showcase both the downtown district and highlight several homes and historic properties throughout the Borough.

The KBA will officially launch the season on Saturday, November 30, with a celebration to herald the arrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of the Borough’s holiday tree. The family-friendly festivities will take place at 7 p.m. on West Front Street, between Broad and Main Streets, with music, entertainment, refreshments, and an invitation to join in the singing of Christmas carols and traditional holiday favorites.

The holiday tree will be decorated with red, white and blue “Memory” ornaments being sold by the Keyport Business Alliance to help raise funds for the proposed Keyport Fire Museum. Keyport’s Fire Department is marking its 125th anniversary this year and has been working for two years to establish a facility to preserve artifacts and firefighting equipment from its rich history.

Shaw says the “Memory” ornaments on the tree will serve as a special tribute to the community’s departed loved ones. Rain date for the event is Sunday, December 1.
On Saturday, December 14, Keyport’s annual Candlelight Holiday House Tour will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Two vintage trolleys will be available to transport ticket holders between more than a dozen homes, churches and public buildings that will be open for the tour.


Shaw says stops on the tour will include vintage Victorians, a historic house on West Front Street with a “spectacular interior and fascinating background,” and other charming homes that “each offer something unique or intriguing to view.” Shaw points out that all will be festively decorated for the season.

Tickets are $15 each in advance and are now on sale at Keyport Army Navy, 14 West Front St.; The Front Porch Emporium, 36 West Front St.; McEwan’s Coffee & Lite Fare on the Bay, 27 West Front St., and Second Hand Prose, 8 Main St., all in Keyport.
Tickets also may be purchased by phone by calling Allen Consulting at 732-946-2711. Tickets purchased the day of the tour will be $18 each.

“The Candlelight House Tour annually draws more than 500 visitors from all over,” says Shaw. “Parking will be available in the lot for Fireman’s Park at the corner of West Front Street and American Legion Drive. Downtown stores will be open for holiday shopping, along with coffeehouses, cafes and restaurants serving everything from hot chocolate or latte and dessert to dinner and drinks.”

The tour will be held rain or shine, Shaw says.

Supporting sponsors of the Keyport Business Alliance’s special events are 94.3 The Point, Fleet Bank, McEwan’s and The Front Porch. For additional information, log on to www.keyportonline.com or call Allen Consulting at 732-946-2711.