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Snowflake Parade is planned for December 7
(by Andrea Hughes - October 23, 2008)
The old will become new again at the Downtown Millburn Development Alliance's 25th annual Snowflake Parade.
The old-fashioned fun of drinking hot chocolate - which will be free at the event - and watching Santa descend a hook-and-ladder never gets old, said Helen Kyle of the DMDA. And in recent times, these traditions will take on a new meaning.
The free, family oriented event will bring comfort amid the current economic pressures, she added.
This year's parade is planned for Sunday, Dec. 7, with a rain date of Sunday, Dec. 14.
The parade will start at 1 p.m. outside the Millburn Avenue post office and wind down the avenue, ending in the Town Hall parking lot.
Holiday music will be piped into the Downtown from the DMDA office, and local singers will perform the national anthem. Both are staples of the holidays in Millburn year after year, according to Kyle.
Former township resident Michael Conway, who led the first Snowflake Parade, will come back to lead the 25th. The Funny Factory, a band dressed as clowns, will march in the parade alongside any community groups wishing to join.
Millburn Middle School students will march behind a float, and the Girl and Boy Scouts of the township are excited to join in, said Kyle.
At the end of the parade, Santa Claus will descend the ladder of a fire truck and meet children and their families at The Courtyard.
There, the Funny Factory will perform. High school students dressed as elves will entertain children until Santa Claus comes to the Courtyard to take pictures with them.
Free hot chocolate and other refreshments will be provided.
Kyle said the DMDA is working on adding other special touches to be revealed the day of the event.
Funds for the parade were donated by sources outside the DMDA, such as local business and individuals who sponsor the event.
Groups interested in marching should contact the DMDA at 973-379-2341 or by e-mail at info@downtownmillburn.org.
Children will have another opportunity for holiday fun at the "Magical Breakfast with Santa."
The breakfast will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on two consecutive Saturdays, Dec. 13 and 20, at Charlie Brown's Restaurant.
Festivities will include a buffet breakfast and a magic show by professional magician Joe Fischer. Free photos of children with Santa will be taken by ASAP Digital Imaging.
Reservations are required. The cost is $15 for adults and children ages 8 and older, $10 for children ages 5 and older and $5 for children ages 2 to 4. Children age 2 and younger will be admitted free.
For reservations, call or send an e-mail to the DMDA.
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