Paramus Holiday Lighting Postponed to Dec. 5

Initially postponed by Hurricane Sandy, the Paramus Holiday Lighting and Winter Carnival has been pushed back one more week to allow for a 14-foot Blue Spruce to be planted at Borough Hall. The extra time is also being utilized to incorporate additional plans by the Police Department to coordinate parking in the area. The Holiday Lighting and Winter Carnival will now take place on Wednesday, Dec. 5 with the exact time to be determined.

"The Rescue Squad is developing a winter wonderland scene outside of their building and will serve hot cider and hot dogs," Borough Administrator Joseph D'Arco said. "The choral group from the high school will perform prior to the tree lighting and there will be rides in the borough hall parking lot."

He added that parking will be available in the upper Carlough Drive parking lot and Paramus Police are coordinating potential parking in neighboring business lots along Rt. 17.

"This involves a lot more people," Mayor Richard LaBarbiera said. "The Rescue enjoys this type of activity."

The borough will also see about having students create holiday decorations prior to the ceremony so that they can be placed on the tree. The Fire Department will give Santa Claus a lift to the event and he will meet with children either in the gazebo or in the Rescue building, depending on the weather that evening.

During the ceremony, officials will light a 14-foot Blue Spruce for the holiday season. A menorah will be on site as well, although the first candle could not be lit until the first night of Hannukah on Dec. 8.

"The holiday lighting is going to be a night full of fun, refreshments and a nice winter wonderland," Councilman Dennis Arslanian said.

The annual tree and menorah lighting ceremonies have historically been held in Petruska Park, with last year adding the winter carnival in the roller rink with rides, treats and games. The ceremony was relocated to borough hall following Hurricane Sandy damaging a pair of evergreen trees resulting in their removal.

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