Rain Can't Wash Away Holiday Spirit in the Town Center.

BAYONNE, NJ – November 11, 2005 - The Bayonne Town Center held its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, November 21st. Even though the rain chased the crowds into McDonald's it couldn't wash away the holiday spirit. Talented students from Henry Harris School, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and the BHS choir Sweet Harmony performed for the Town Center's guests. Even Santa and his elf made a special appearance and handed out gift bags full of goodies and candy canes to all those children who attended this event. Children from age 3 months to over 60 sat on Santa's lap and told him their Christmas wishes. Mayor Doria, as well as the City Council members, was on hand to celebrate the beginning of the Holiday Season.

Due to the commitment of Mayor Doria and DPW Director Frank Carine in making this year's Holiday display a special one, the Bayonne Town Center Christmas tree as well as the trees that line the streets will be lit to brighten the holidays for all those shoppers looking for the perfect gift. Cathy Jakubowski, Executive Director of the Bayonne Town Center expressed her thanks, "The assistance that we received from the DPW electric crew, Joe Mortola, John Pelligrini, and Rich Teschic as well as the forestry department was invaluable. I would like to thank all of them for their hard work and commitment."

Pictured with Santa are Montana Bottino and Margaret Mary Doria.

Trot down Broadway in style! The Bayonne Town Center would like to invite you and your loved ones to join us on Saturday, December 10th from 11am-3pm, for Horse & Buggy Rides with Santa. Rides will start at west 22nd Street & Broadway. Join Santa as he makes a special appearance on a horse drawn buggy. Make sure to get in line early as last year's line was around the corner!

On Saturday, December 17th at 8:30am, we will host a special Breakfast with Santa at the Fire House Recreation Center 597 Broadway. To make a reservation for this event, please call (201)339-9409. Also on Tuesday, December 27th at 4:30pm, we will present our Annual Festival of Lights Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Bayonne Community Bank 510 Broadway. As always, Bayonne Town Center events are free to the public.

It's time to start writing your letters to Santa! Don't forget to drop your letters in Santa's special mailbox in front of Irwin's on 22nd Street & Broadway from now until Christmas Eve.

With so many unique and wonderful businesses within walking distance, the Bayonne Town Center is the most convenient place to shop for all of your holiday needs. Also, many of the Bayonne Town Center businesses are members of the UEZ which means that you pay only 3% sales tax. Local and economical, the Bayonne Town Center is the easy choice for shopping this holiday season and always.

Bayonne Town Center events are made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: The Bayonne UEZ, Pamrapo Savings Bank, Shop Rite, Bayonne Community Bank, and Dee & Dee. We would also like to thank the various Departments of the City of Bayonne for all their support. Special Thanks to Mayor Joseph V. Doria, Jr.

Pictured are DeeDee Bottino Assistant Coordinator Bayonne UEZ, Mayor Joseph V. Doria, Jr., Santa, Cathy Jakubowski Executive Director BTC, Michael O'Connor Executive Director BEDC, Mary Divock Chairperson BTC Board of Directors, Megan Januska, and Vinnie Bottino Owner Big Apple.