On Friday December 1, 2017 the Buena Vista Township Special Events Committee held their 18th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Township Hall on Route 40.
Santa, Mrs. Claus, several Elves and Minnie Mouse rode in on a fire truck from the Richland Volunteer Fire Company followed by a parade of 20 other local Fire, Rescue and NJ State Police vehicles.
Santa led the crowd of over 150 in lighting the Christmas Tree on the front lawn. Santa and his court proceeded inside the building to hear wishes and give every child present a gift plus a large candy cane.
Hot chocolate and cookies were available for everyone. Two choirs led an audience participation sing-a-long. The were the Abundant Living Church Choir led by Kim Albert and the Buena Middle School Select Choir under the direction of Karen Coates.
Mayor Chuck Chiarello, Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly, Committeemen Steve Martinelli and John Armato were on hand with Beth Conway and the Special Events Committee Members, Township Clerk Lisa Tilton, and Public Works Employees. Miss South Jersey and Miss Junior South Jersey gave out gift bags from the local Municipal Drug Alliance led by Gia Haws.
The event was paid for by donations and the Special Events Committee.