Tree Lighting Ceremony Rings In Holidays for West Deptford

Ready or not, Dec. 25 is on its way. With the holidays soon approaching, West Deptford will kick off the festivities with its annual tree lighting ceremony—and a special memorial for those who have left us.

The annual tree lighting ceremony takes place in front of the West Deptford Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6. and is expected to last for two hours. Township officials and president of the library board of trustees April Maska will be on hand to welcome the crowd. In addition, the Gloucester County Children’s Choir will perform under the direction of Sylvia Richardson. 

Following the tree lighting, the ceremony will move indoors for more events and light refreshments.

“It’s a nice little kickoff to the holidays,” says Karen Boucher, director of information at the library.

West Deptford Public Library holds a place in the town's history because it was considered the township's first community center before RiverWinds, Boucher said. West Deptford honors that history by continuing to hold the tree lighting ceremony there.

During the indoor portion of the ceremony, residents can pay their respects at the library’s memorial, “Lights of Love.” In its 15th year, “Lights of Love” is an annual tradition that goes hand in hand with the tree lighting celebration. Conceived by Georgia Gibson, former president of the Friends of the West Deptford Library, “Lights of Love” honors deceased friends and family and unsung heroes of West Deptford. With a donation, residents can add names to the memorial, located in the library lobby. 

The “Lights of Love” memorial poster will be on display throughout the holiday season. The library is collection donations, all of which directly benefit the West Deptford Public Library. A donation of $3 is requested for a single name or “light,” while $5 is requested for two names. In addition, residents can acquire a string of lights—up to six names—for a $15 donation. 

Other holiday events in town include:

• Holiday line dancing on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
• Two holiday performances (Dec. 14 at 1:30 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m.) by local celebrity Joe Best. Get into the spirit as Best channels some of America's most beloved singers.
• The Christmas Lights Bus Tour hosted by the West Deptford Historical Association. (Click the link for more information.)

For more information on holiday events at the West Deptford Public Library, visit the website or call 856-845-5593.

Follow all of West Deptford Patch's holiday coverage with our special page.