‘Enjoy Newton NJ ‘ for the Holiday

NEWTON, NJ – The Town of Newton is filled to overflowing during the holiday season with activities and special events planned over the next few weeks, with the fun beginning on Sat., Nov. 28, as part of its “Newton for the Holiday” promotion.

That Saturday following Thanksgiving, Newton kicks off with a tradition in town that has been a part of Newton’s holiday vibe for the last 50 years, with the Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday Parade. The parade, which makes its way down Spring Street at 10 a.m. also coordinates with Small Business Saturday. The street will be closed to vehicle traffic that day between approximately 9:30 a.m. and noon.

“Once again, we’ll have our parade on Spring Street,” said Nancy Woods, Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) Executive Director.

Woods said the yearly parade features groups like local fire departments, scouts and 4-H. Dancers from D’Marge Dance Studio stop to wow the crowd with a dance routine during the parade. Area participating marching bands include the Newton High School and Kittatinny High School Bands, the Franklin Band, and Christ Community Church’s band.

Woods said ornate floats are also part of the festivities, and the participating floats are judged in a contest, with the chance to receive prizes.

“This has created a lot of excitement with groups creating a lot of beautiful floats,” Woods added.

The superstar of the parade is Santa Claus himself, who hitches a ride every year on Newton Fire Department’s ladder truck. At the conclusion of the parade, Santa takes a seat in front of Newton’s Fire Museum and greets all of the children who visit him after the parade, giving each child a small present.

“I hope everyone will stay in Newton after the parade to shop and enjoy Small Business Saturday,” said Woods.

“Newton is everyone’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ and we are the only Sussex County town that truly delivers that ideal holiday experience,” said Sara Megletti, President of the Downtown Newton Association (DNA), a group representing the downtown merchants, which also oversees the “Enjoy Newton NJ” Facebook Page. “Nearly 1,000 neighbors, families and visitors from all over arrive to watch the annual Holiday Parade, and enjoy the festive, unique shops and restaurants that line our streets. It’s a cherished Newton tradition that has expanded to include Small Business Saturday, the best way for everyone to support local merchants and keep our business districts thriving.”

The “Enjoy Newton NJ” Facebook Page will be the online destination to highlight the many exciting activities planned for Downtown Newton during the holiday season.

The local businesses will host activities for the public to enjoy during “Noel Nights” on Fri. and Sat. Dec. 11 and 12, plus Fri. and Sat. Dec. 18 and 19. Plus, the “12 Days of Christmas” promotion will run from Wed. Dec. 9 through Tues. Dec. 22 (except Dec. 13 and 20), which will feature special offers each day from about 20 participating merchants and eateries in Newton.

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