FREEHOLD – The traditional Christmas Tree-Lighting ceremony outside the Monmouth County Hall of Records last night officially ushered in the 2008 holiday season.

 

Those in attendance enjoyed holiday music by a brass ensemble comprised of musicians from both Freehold Boro High School and Freehold Township High School, along with a singing performance by David Trotta. The music, together with the background of historic buildings that line Main Street, set the stage for a picture postcard start to the holiday season.

           

All eyes were on the 25-foot-tall Norway spruce as Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry flipped the switch to light the tree. Helping to light the tree was 6 year-old Molly Holtz Loprete of Freehold Borough.

 

“I’d like to tell you a little bit about this tree,” Burry said. “It is a 25-foot-tall Norway spruce that was donated to the people of Monmouth County by Horzepa Farms in Millstone Township. It is a magnificent tree, and I thank Robert Horzepa and his family for their generosity.”

 

The tree rolled into downtown Freehold Wednesday aboard a large flatbed truck. It was decorated by the county’s Building & Grounds crews in preparation for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Freehold Center Partnership.                                                                  

           

Horzepa Farms sits on 76 acres of horse land in Millstone Township. There is a lighted outdoor arena and miles of trails that eventually connect to New Jersey’s Assunpink Wildlife Refuge and Horse Park of New Jersey. Horzepa trains horses and riders to compete on the local and national levels.

 

Last year, the Freehold Center Partnership unveiled its new and updated lighting decorations around town and they will be visible again this year. There are new banner poles in the downtown area as well as new snowflake decorations on display to enhance the winter setting in the borough.

           

“As we open our hearts this time of year, let us remember that the holidays are a time for peace, love and hope,” Burry said. “On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, I wish you and your families all of the joys the holiday season can possibly bring.”

 

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Photo caption: Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry and Molly Holtz Loprete of Freehold Borough await the go sign before lighting the county’s official Christmas tree in front of the County Hall of Records.