Bing Crosby once had a hit song titled “June in January.” Well, we’ve taken the season-switching idea and reversed it. We’re going to be celebrating Christmas in July on The Ave. Why, you ask, are we combining Yuletide with summer fun? We’re going to be taking three hours—from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—on Saturday, July 24 to have a mid-summer Christmas celebration and set the stage for a three-day December holiday extravaganza—“An Olde-Fashioned Christmas on The Ave” —to take place December 3 through 5. We’ll have a lot more about that event later, but here’s a bit of what’s in store for you on July 24.
Most of the action will take place on the 600 block of Landis Avenue. Santa Claus has already set his GPS device from the North Pole and will be making a rare appearance in summer attire—along with Mrs. Claus on their sleigh. We’ll have music, food, and other festive activities. Our volunteers will be dressed in Christmas costumes. WVLT Cruisin’ 92.1 will do a live remote. You’ll also be treated to music from Higbee’s Heroes, an a cappella vocal quartet that has performed throughout the Delaware Valley Region, including at our 2019 Food Truck Festival on The Ave. Our downtown merchants will join in the celebration, too.
We have a subcommittee headed up by Josie Spinelli that’s been hard at work on both events—July and December—to bring to The Ave a Hallmark-type holiday atmosphere. So, take a break from the summer heat, fantasize about wreaths and mistletoe, and help ring in some mid-summer Christmas cheer. For more details, or if you want to help, call 856-794-8653. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
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We have a call-out for prospective entertainers for our third Food Truck Festival on The Ave, coming up on Sunday, August 22, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Landis Avenue and the Boulevard. We’re planning for opening-to-closing entertainment as part of the wall-to-wall fun. DJ Zach Reed is on board as entertainment host. If you’ve got the talent we’re looking for, or know someone who has, contact Main Street Vineland Associate Director Robert Scarpa at [email protected]. Even better, send an audio or video clip—YouTube or some other platform. Members 1st of NJ Federal Credit Union is the major sponsor and Newfield National Bank is Entertainment Sponsor.
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Our A Taste of Vineland & Volunteer Recognition Event will be returning after a one-year hiatus on Wednesday, October 27 from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Greenview Inn at Eastlyn Golf Course. 4049 Italia Ave., Vineland. Many of Vineland’s finest restaurants under will be offering samples of their delicious signature dishes—main courses, appetizers, and desserts. We’ll also be recognizing Main Street Vineland volunteers who have contributed greatly to the work of our organization, as well as a “Community Partner” and a “Media Partner” who have worked closely with us on our projects and initiatives. Proceeds will go toward downtown beautification, business recruitment and development, and events. Watch for more information.
