Bundled against the cold, families filled the front steps of the municipal building on Monday evening for Hopewell Township’s annual holiday tree and menorah lighting — a tradition that brought together music, community spirit, and recognition for the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry.
Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning welcomed residents as children in brightly colored hats and earmuffs crowded onto the steps behind her, where three elementary school ensembles performed from the building’s main entrance — turning the portico into a seasonal stage.
Before the music began, the township recognized the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry for its continued service to local families. Accepting the acknowledgment, director of the pantry Joe Lawver reflected on the pantry’s growth since its founding in 2020.
“When we started, the first week we delivered, we delivered to 35 families,” Lawver said. “Five and a half years later, we’re delivering to 250 families a week. None of that’s possible without you and your support.”
Students fill the evening with music
The Hopewell Elementary Vocal Ensemble opened the program, followed by the Toll Gate Elementary Vocal Ensemble, whose energetic performance of “Hot Chocolate” got the crowd excited for a warm drink and the Bear Tavern Elementary Treble Makers closed out the musical portion with candlelit renditions of winter classics.
Parents watched from the walkway and the driveway below, many photographing the rows of singing students arranged in bright coats, holiday sweaters, and reindeer headbands.
Activities on the lawn
After the final applause, Peters-Manning invited everyone to walk down from the steps and onto the front lawn for the lighting ceremony and community activities.
BeOne sponsored a large inflatable snow globe and gingerbread-themed bounce attraction
Senior Services offered cookies and craft activities
Township Public Works staff, thanked earlier in the program, had decorated the holiday tree and menorah that stood in the lawn.
Countdown to the season
As the crowd gathered around the tree, the mayor led a countdown. With a burst of light, the tree and menorah illuminated the front yard of the municipal building, prompting cheers from the children clustered at the base of the display.
While the Township Committee went inside for a regular meeting, families remained on the lawn long after the lighting, enjoying the decorations and visiting the activity stations as Hopewell Township marked the start of the holiday season.
