'Global Theme' for 'Shop-Local' Downtown for the Holidays 2011

Ridgewood is seeking to continue its after a successful by the train station in 2010.

Joan Groome, Executive Director of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, said the theme for "shop local" 2011 is fairly global – "Around the World". Music from countries such as Africa and Spain will be performed, along with the usual stage performances by , , and .

A double-decker bus stationed by is also scheduled for the event, a year of several firsts, Groome said.

"Last year we had about 5,000 to 6,000 people last year. The weather is expected to be fabulous for the tree lighting," said Groome.

The tree this year is a 58-foot behemoth shipped in from Hawthorne. Paul Vagianos, one of the organizers of the  (an unofficial fundraising arm of the chamber of commerce), said the funding is again all accounted for. 

"It's like a well-oiled machine," Vagianos remarked, adding that village employees donated their time to help keep down the planting and transportation security fee for taxpayers. "Everybody gave their time to make sure this happened."

, Downes Tree Service did the work. Worker Tom Youmans, a Ridgewood resident, handled logistics and the saw, single-handedly spending Friday and Saturday away from the family and trimming branches.

The hard work will all come to fruition on , scheduled for about 7:30 p.m.

East Ridgewood Avenue will be closed off at 4:30, turning the CBD into a largely pedestrian-only holiday show. A live band will also be in Van Neste Square Park. And yes, Santa will be there.

Groome recommmeds that anyone planning on dining out for the day should set dinner reservations as all restaurants will be open. Many other businesses will also be in full swing for the event, she said.

The holidays don't end on Friday, of course. St. Nick will make another appearance, this time at the at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast on Saturday. He will also board the Ridgewood red firetruck, so visitors can see him pass through the village as he ends his journey at the Colombia bank.

At the bank, Groome said, "Kids will receive fabulous free gifts."

A free kids movie, "Polar Express", will be showing at 10:30 a.m. for the kids at the . Trolley rides for the children will also be conducted as they pass through the town from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

"With times the way they are, coming back home feels really good," said Groome.