VENTNOR – City commissioners welcomed residents to the city’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Friday, Dec. 3. On a countdown of three, the holiday tree decorated with sparkling red bows took on new light for the first time this season.
Mayor Beth Holtzman said it was the fifth year the city lit the fir tree on the piazza located on the Sacramento Avenue side of historic City Hall. Although last year there was no gathering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was great to be back with residents in attendance at the ceremony this year.
Members of the Ventnor City Fire Department were on hand to provide traffic safety for the large crowd gathered and offered cups of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream from the back of a utility truck.
Shortly after the lights were turned on, a special visitor emerged from the stately oak doors leading into City Hall. Santa, with his bag of goodies, sat in a throne-like chair as he spoke privately with the children lined up to greet him.
One little boy requested a dirt bike for Christmas.
“A real dirt bike like the ones you see around here?” Santa asked.
“Yep,” the little boy replied.
“Well you know, you have to be safe and wear a helmet at all times,” Santa replied.
The Jolly Old Elf, who’s readying his sleigh and reindeer for his big night visiting children around the world, took the request under advisement. He said he would check his list twice before granting the wish.
