Community Corner

Fort Lee to Light Up For Holidays Thursday, Saturday

The annual community tree lighting celebration is Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Fort Lee Community Center, while the annual community Menorah lighting is Saturday at 6 p.m. on Main Street and Lemoine/Schlosser.

The Christmas season in Fort Lee and Hanukkah in Fort Lee and around the world start this week, and the borough has two events planned to mark the occasions and kick off the holidays locally.

Fort Lee’s annual community tree lighting at the Fort Lee Community Center will take place Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., and Mayor Mark Sokolich, who previously promised it would be “extra-special” this year, said Wednesday he’s expecting as many as 1,500 to 2,000 people.

Sokolich and borough administrator Peggy Thomas went through what Sokolich called a “dry-run” Wednesday evening at the community center, and the mayor liked what he saw.

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“It almost brought tears to my eyes,” Sokolich said. “The lights, the ornaments—it just looks so professional. It’s going to be incredible.”

He added, “It’s unbelievable what these men and women made to have a holiday celebration [Thursday].”

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Sokolich said there’s going to be a holiday village, a trackless train, a snow machine, a confetti machine, a 35-foot tree, refreshments and probably a few surprises for the kids at the celebration, which takes place “on the green” at the community center—in the back by the stage—at 1355 Inwood Terrace.

“I’m very pro-getting the community together, and this is going to be one of those events,” Sokolich said. “I’m very, very proud.”

Sokolich also reminded residents that the community’s annual Menorah lighting is Saturday, Dec. 8, the first night of Hanukkah, at 6 p.m. at the triangle area formed by Main Street, Lemoine Avenue and Schlosser Street.

“It’s a small area, but it’s very quaint, and it’s a lot of fun,” Sokolich said.


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