Hampton lights up for holidays

Guests experienced an explosive welcome to the holiday season at Hampton Township’s Light-Up Night celebration.

Attendees participated in multiple family-friendly activities including photos with Santa and a firework show.

Tocayo Taqueria, Old School Italian Sandwich Shop and Bruster’s Ice Cream hosted food trucks in the parking lot of Hampton Community Center for guests to buy dinner and treats. People were able to listen to holiday music while they waited in line courtesy of the emcee out front of the building.

When entering the building, guests were greeted with a blast of warm air and a large Christmas tree in the middle of the first floor. The Grinch stood in front of the tree and took photos with children. In usual Grinch fashion, the character teased guests and made visitors laugh as they waited for the firework show to start.

In a separate room vendor tables were set up with activities for families. The Little Medical School hosted a table where children could make their own syringe ornaments. They were able to pick from white and red beads that represented white and red blood cells, gold sequins that represented platelets and white tinsel that represented plasma.

As the children moved to each new supply, Jen Clowser and Caitlin McCarthy explained what each cellular component does within the body.

Guests enjoyed free hot chocolate as they browsed the other vendor tables including Leaning Cask Brewing Co., Lucky Sign Spirits, Mazzotta Winery and Premier Dance Academy. Children also were invited to go on an elf hunt on the first floor. Winners were able to take photos with the elusive character.

At 7 p.m., event workers guided guests outside to watch a firework show. Attendees watched the show and cheered as the colors burst in the sky, some residents danced along with the music. Afterward, members of the Premier Dance Studio performed a holiday dance number.

As their performance came to an end, a fire truck began flashing its lights and honking its horn at the audience. A line of first responder vehicles made a slow trek up the road toward the community center. A closer look at the parade revealed Rudolph standing atop the fire truck followed by an ambulance with Santa’s sleigh attached to the back. Santa received cheers from the audience as he made his way into the building.

For those who didn’t want to brave the cold or wanted to escape the loud bangs of fireworks, the library was open for children to write letters to Santa Claus. Librarians pulled up the blinds on the windows so children could watch the show as they made their Christmas lists. There was a large red mailbox placed in the entryway for the finished letters.

Earlier in the night, families were invited to take a number for pictures with Santa. Workers set up a winter wonderland backdrop for photos.

Carolynn Johnson, Hampton Township Council president, thanked everyone for coming and wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season.