SANTA'S ARRIVAL, TREE LIGHTING
KICK OFF HOLIDAYS IN KEYPORT
Released: November 18, 2002

KEYPORT, NJ – The Keyport Business Alliance will host a tree-lighting ceremony and celebration to mark Santa’s arrival in “The Pearl of The Bayshore,” as the Borough is known, beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 30.

A portion of West Front Street between Broad and Main Streets will be closed to traffic during the event, which is free and open to the public. Rain date is Sunday, December 1.

Entertainment by the Keyport Central School Band and Choir will feature a program of traditional holiday favorites and Christmas carols. Members of the Keyport Fire Department will help usher the 7:30 p.m. arrival of Santa Claus, who will be riding on Keyport’s very own handcrafted wooden sled. The old-fashioned sled was custom made by the Pedersen family, owners of Hans Pedersen & Sons Boat Works, 165 West Front Street.

A Norwegian spruce in the Mini Park will be decorated for the season and lighted by Keyport Fire Chief Ken Marr. Special “Memory” ornaments in red, white and blue will be sold for $5 each to be placed on the tree as a tribute to the community’s departed loved ones. Proceeds will benefit the Fire Department’s museum project and 125th anniversary.

Santa will take to the streets from 7:45 until 9:30 p.m. to visit with children, their parents, and the Keyport business community. The Bob Ferris Brass Quartet and members of the Performing Arts Ensemble troupe in Victorian costume will entertain on a stage in front of The Front Porch Emporium, at 36 West Front St., along with street performers and musicians from area churches.

Keyport’s shops, cafes, bistros and coffeehouses will be open late for holiday shopping and dining.

Sponsor support for the Keyport Business Alliance’s holiday events is provided by 94.3 The Point, Fleet Bank, McEwan’s Coffee & Lite Fare on the Bay, and The Front Porch Emporium.

For additional information, log on to www.keyportonline.com or call Allen Consulting at 732-946-2711.