October is quickly winding down. Our A Taste of Vineland & Volunteer Recognition Event is taking place, probably as you’re reading this. Our Scarecrow Challenge is in full swing and the winners will be announced this Saturday at our Pumpkin Patch Party. More about that later in this column. It’s our November events that I want to focus on here.
We start on Wednesday evening, November 6, with the ultimate wedding expo, Weddings on The Ave, as it comes back to Grant Plaza, 619 E. Landis Avenue, from 6 to 9 p.m. Sponsored by Al’s Shoes, this bridal show will have wedding professionals offering their services to help make the wedding day spectacular. Doors will open at 6 p.m., when brides and grooms can network with vendors. A bridal fashion show occurs at 7:30 p.m. by Rienzi Bridal Salon of Vineland for the gowns and Juvante Formal Wear of Vineland for the men’s apparel.
In addition to gowns and formal wear, you will find everything from shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, flowers, limousine service, tanning facilities, hospitality services, food and reception services, printing, photography, DJs, real estate and mortgages, travel services, dentistry and beauty enhancement, and more. Several vendors will offer gift certificates. A grand prize will also be offered. You can find under one roof everything you’ll need.
Brides and vendors can register by going to the website at TheAve.biz.
The following Monday, November 11—Veterans Day, we officially dedicate the Military Mural, at the mini-park at 435 W. Landis Avenue. The dedication, to be held rain or shine, is free and open to the public, and will precede Vineland’s official Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m., in Landis Park.
Celebrated artist George Perez created the mural project, which kicked off in June. The mural honors active members of the five branches of the military—the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard—as well as vets and POWs. George and his assistants worked tirelessly on the mural and it’s now finished and is absolutely phenomenal. The dedication is headed up by Josephine Spinelli and will include members and groups of the Vineland community who wish to honor our veterans.
Public financial support is being sought for the project. A number of grantees contributed funds, goods, and services; additional finances, however, are being sought to cover all the expenses involved. You can donate at TheAve.biz—where different giving levels are outlined. Any money over and above paying the necessary expenses for the project will go to the New Jersey State Veterans Home here in Vineland.
To round out the month, we’ll have our Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 30 (rain date: Sunday, December 1) at 5 p.m. The theme this year will be “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” BB&T is again the major sponsor this year. Vendors, participants, and volunteers are being sought to help coordinate on parade night, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Applications to be in the parade or to be a vendor can be obtained by visiting TheAve.biz. To be a participant, applications must be completed online; registration for parade participants is free, if received before November 15, with a $20 fee if received after that date. The deadline for all registrations is November 22. Registration is required to participate and no registrations will be allowed on parade night.
Now, back to this month and our fourth annual Pumpkin Patch Party on The Ave. Come out this Saturday, to the southwest mini-park, at Landis Avenue and the Boulevard. In case of rain, it will be held inside Landis MarketPlace, 631 E. Landis Ave. The winners of the Scarecrow Challenge will be announced. The event is sponsored this year by Lidl. There’ll be games with prizes, pumpkin and rock painting, a magic show by Simply Silly Magic, Tori’s Critters with a live animal/reptile show, DJ Zach, and more. Children age 14 and under who are dressed in costume will receive free holiday candy.
