Avalon to Host Free Family Fun During Thanksgiving Weekend

AVALON – Avalon has become the place to be for Thanksgiving weekend, and it keeps getting better every year. It’s a holiday extravaganza with a Christmas tree auction, Santa with his sleigh, photos, live reindeer, crafts, caroling, cocktails and deep discounts at many businesses. You’ll be sure to be in the festive spirit with Avalon’s lineup of events from Nov. 26 to 29.
The fun starts Nov. 26, with the opening of the Festival of Trees at The Whitebrier, 260 20th Street. Sponsored by the 7 Mile Business Community Association, local businesses decorate trees and wreaths that are on display at The Whitebrier and available for auction beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The bidding continues Friday and concludes Saturday, when winners will be notified and can take home their beautifully decorated tree or wreath.
The events Nov. 28, start with the 3rd annual Turkey Trot 5K run and 1.5-mile walk. The run will begin at 10 a.m. (packet pick-up at 8 a.m. at Avalon Community Hall) and will take runners in a scenic route through Avalon. The run supports the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children and is great way to burn those calories from that Thanksgiving dinner from the day before.
Following the race, Festive Friday begins at 11 a.m. with the return of the popular iceless ice-skating rink on 22nd and Dune Drive, plus a slew of activities from face painters and stilt walkers to bounce houses, characters and more. Local businesses are open for holiday shopping featuring significant discounts and hospitality. The jitney will be available for those who wish to park and ride. Activities are scheduled throughout the day, leading up to the annual tree lighting at Veterans Plaza and an appearance from Santa Claus!
Snowfest Saturday returns for a second year, transforming the Avalon Elementary School field into a winter carnival featuring free family fun for all ages. It is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include carnival games, rides, a rock wall, bungee jumping and more. Santa will make an appearance with his sleigh and his live reindeer, Rocket and Fetch. Plus, as an added bonus, the iceless ice-skating rink will be moved overnight to the Snowfest site for an extra day of ice skating. The jitney will be running for those who wish to take part in the great holiday shopping that Avalon has to offer as businesses will be open.
For more information, please visit www.visitavalonnj.com. A full schedule of events is available by visiting the website, or by picking up the holiday edition of the Seven Mile Times.