The annual Christmas Parade, with the theme Luau On The Ave, did not disappoint. The weather was a perfect November evening, one that made you yearn for some hot chocolate or something to warm you up afterwards. It was a perfect night for welcoming in the holiday season.
With approximately 125 participants, the crowds were entertained by marching bands, walkers, floats, cars, fire trucks and the true guests of honor—Santa and Mrs. Claus. Lasting about 1-3/4 hours, the parade started at Second Street and continued down to East Avenue.
If you missed seeing the parade in person, you can watch it online. Our thanks go out to Vineland High School and BFA Productions who announced and filmed the events. Both videos are available to watch at the following URLs:
VHS: youtube.com/user/VLDSchoolsTV
BFA: youtube.com/live/4zko6aHn8PU?si=Kb4hPSjZ8kMm6ctP
Although it was a very competitive battle, we are pleased to announce our float winners for 2023:
GRAND DIVISION:
First Place: R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce
Second Place: Dolores Romero Foundation
Third Place: Dixon’s Dance Academy
Next up is An Olde Fashioned Christmas on The Ave—downtown Vineland’s two-day Yuletide extravaganza of holiday cheer, to take place this weekend, December 1 (5 to 9 p.m.) and 2 (12 to 7 p.m.) on Landis Avenue—from the 500 block to East Avenue. In the event of inclement weather, activities scheduled for outside the LandisMarketplace will be taking place inside the LandisMarketplace.
This event, organized by Main Street Vineland, with major sponsorship by South Jersey Glass & Door, is loaded with activities and opportunities to encourage you to come to The Ave to enjoy great times and do holiday shopping. Enjoy live music, Yuletide characters and décor, food, carriage rides, fun with Santa Claus, fun and fellowship.
The proceedings will kick off on Friday, December 1, with the lighting of the Vineland Christmas Tree and ribbon-cutting at City Hall, 740 E. Wood St., at 5 p.m., featuring CBS 3 Eyewitness News television personality Jim Donovan and Vineland High School Select Choir under the direction of Lori Cummings. George Perez will be on hand for a special presentation.
The event is also a chance to shop The Ave. You’ll help our local merchants and help yourself by getting some fine merchandise from merchants that have unique, locally made items. Many unique vendors will be set up on Landis Avenue selling their seasonal goods at this weekend event.
The Spot, at 618 E. Landis Ave., has over 80 vendors with items for gift-giving and home decorating. They will be open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and are open seven days a week.
