Festive Friday’ Celebration Set in Avalon

AVALON – The Borough of Avalon is making final preparations for the largest downtown holiday event in South Jersey this holiday season. The Borough and the 7 Mile Business and Community Association will present Avalon’s 4th Annual “Festive Friday” celebration on Fri., Nov. 25, starting at 11 a.m. This year’s celebration will include dozens of free family activities including a giant skating rink that will be erected in the downtown district.
“Avalon is certainly rolling out the red carpet and holiday cheer for this year’s downtown celebration,” said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “We deeply appreciate the efforts and enthusiasm of the 7MBCA and the merchants. This is a tremendous opportunity for locals, property owners, and visitors to join Avalon in a true celebration of the holiday season.”
“Festive Friday” has more than 40 free holiday activities for children and adults of all ages to enjoy. This year’s major addition will be a huge skating rink that will be located on the grass median on Dune Drive between 19th and 20th Streets. There will be no admission charge, and skates will be available for anyone who needs them. The rink will operate from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.; holiday music provides a festive backdrop for the skaters.
There will be plenty of live entertainment and activities in downtown Avalon along Dune Drive from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras to see characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Cinderella, Mrs. Claus, and other holiday favorites.
Various snacks and refreshments will be offered throughout “Festive Friday” including hot chocolate, s’mores, popcorn, and cotton candy.
Avalon Mini Golf will be offering free games of miniature golf for everyone in attendance, and the Princeton Bar and Grill will host free pet photographs with Santa Claus. Bounce houses, balloon clowns, holiday crafts, letters to Santa stations, and other activities will be part of the “Festive Friday” event.
Starting at 4:00 p.m., the Borough of Avalon will host its annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration at Veterans Plaza, located at 21st Street and Dune Drive. Children will enjoy a magic show, stilt walker, and face paintings while adults enjoy live holiday music. The Cumberland County College Wind Symphony will be playing for an hour leading up to the tree lighting. Children from both the Avalon and Stone Harbor elementary schools will sing at the tree lighting. The Special Occasion Barbershop Quartet will be presented by APAC, the United States Marines will conduct their “Toys for Tots” toy drive, and the Avalon Lions Club will be selling special glow in the dark toys for the children.
Santa Claus is expected to arrive at 5:00 p.m. via an Avalon Volunteer Fire Department fire truck. Santa and Avalon Borough Council President Dr. Nancy Hudanich will light the Borough’s official tree before children line up to get free photographs taken with Santa. All photos will be available for free download on the Borough’s website, www.avalonboro.org.
The Avalon Free Public Library puts a musical finishing touch on the “Festive Friday” celebration at 7:30 p.m. A holiday concert featuring Ceol Binn with harp, guitar, and vocals will be held inside the Avalon Elementary School Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public.
“We encourage families throughout South Jersey to rediscover Avalon’s downtown district during our ‘Festive Friday’ celebration,” said Jacquie Ewing, President of the 7 Mile Business and Community Association. “Avalon offers more than 40 businesses who are excited about this year’s holiday season. Shop local on ‘Festive Friday’ and enjoy dozens of free activities sponsored by all of Avalon’s merchants and friends.”
For a full-color map that includes all of the activities for Avalon’s 4th Annual “Festive Friday” celebration, please visit www.avalonboro.org.