New Hope Business Alliance announces series of holiday-themed events

The New Hope Business Alliance, a new merchant group that recently took on responsibility for decorating the large pine adjacent to the Logan Inn for this coming Christmas season, today announced a series of holiday-themed events geared towards the entire family.

The festivities kick off on ‘Black Friday’ Nov. 28, when a number of shops throughout the borough will serve complimentary food and refreshments to the sounds of roving Christmas carolers.

The group also formally announced that the annual holiday tree lighting will be held Sunday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. on the corner of West Ferry and South Main streets. That event is being led by New Hope entrepreneur George Fernandez and businessman Greg Gauthier.

Community support for the event has been generous say organizers, with donations of snacks and beverages by Dunkin’ Donuts, Clusters Caramel Corn, Starbucks, C’este La Vie, Pudge Cakes, Jamie Hollander, The Landing, CVS, and Terry and Gina Marks. The audience will be entertained by the New Hope-Solebury School Choir under the direction of Tom Bateman while waiting for Santa to arrive on a fire engine courtesy of the Eagle Fire Company. Santa will make his appearance at approximately 6:20 p.m., with the countdown to the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.

Tree lighting organizers are encouraging children of all ages to make their own holiday ornaments, including their wish for Santa (written on the ornament, or attached as note) and to hang it for display on the Chrismas tree after it has been lit.

“We believe that wishes and dreams can come true if you put the wish out there, hope for it, and work for it,” said Gauthier. “It is why the tree is being lit this year. Making hope a reality is what New Hope is all about.”

The New Hope Business Alliance is also holding a holiday decorating contest for all retail shops and eateries. The contest will be judged by residents Libby and Gordon Nieburg, New Hope Borough Administrative Assistant JoAnn Connell,  and New Hope Borough Council President Claire Shaw. The winner of the contest will receive a basket with donations from the business community.

The new business group also is inviting the entire business community and residents to their holiday party hosted by Havana, where hors d’ oeuvres will be served with a cash bar. The holiday party will also benefit the less fortunate with a toy drive for children in Doylestown Hospital, as well as a food drive for Fisherman’s Mark.  Say organizers, “If you can bring an unwrapped toy or a non-perishable food item, it can help make someone’s Christmas much warmer.” The winner of the holiday decorating contest among local merchants will also be announced at the party, which will be held at Havana on Monday, Dec. 8 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The New Hope Business Alliance also said Tuesday that it will be working in conjunction with the Bucks County Playhouse to synchronize holiday events. The Playhouse will be featuring the holiday musical “Plaid Tidings” this season, and two free holiday gift wrapping stations will be decorating gifts in holiday plaid paper to commemorate the opening of this exciting production.

“The New Hope Business Alliance and The Bucks County Playhouse wish everyone a healthy and joyous holiday season,” said Fernandez. “The spirit of cooperation and volunteerism we’re seeing from New Hope residents and businesses is inspiring and will help make this Christmas brighter than ever.”