Asbury Park First Saturday Zoe An American Bistro
Sickles Market

JAZZED CROWD LIGHTS UP RED BANK

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Thousands of Red Bankers and visitors packed Broad Street on Friday night for the annual night-after-Thanksgiving gleefest that kicks off the holiday season hereabouts.

Bagpipers led a parade into town from the train station. Holiday Express laid down its R&B-flavored Christmas soundtrack from a stage awash in red. Mayor Pasquale Menna croaked his way through a song verse (”I’m an opera guy,” he said afterward). Santa and the Grinch were caught in a cinch.

And everywhere were kids with their eyes wide and mouths agape at the high-energy spectacle.

redbankgreen has the pix; just click to enlarge ‘em.

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  • Don't forget the opening act: the Middle School's jazz ensemble. As usual, they rocked.

    Posted by: Dan on December 1, 2008 at 1:05 pm | Permalink
  • Hot chocolate too…….

    Posted by: Anonymous on December 1, 2008 at 1:41 pm | Permalink
  • I was very disappointed in the Christmas / holiday lights that lined Broad Street. Some of the trees either didn't light or they were skipped. It's not anything against the company that put them up but I think the downtown needs to go back to the old fashion decorations. There is no comparision between the old downtown Christmas lighting and the ones today. There's just no WOW factor anymore. I thought the Holiday Express was fantastic and the children from the schools also. Lets bring it all together Red Bank and get some new lighting. I thought we were the hipest town in New Jersey.

    Posted by: Resident on December 1, 2008 at 3:33 pm | Permalink
  • What a great community event!

    Posted by: Laura on December 2, 2008 at 5:55 pm | Permalink
  • I am very disappointed that there isn't a First Night this year (and last).
    I come from Westchester County, NY and was the Chairperson of a huge town fair for seven years.
    I know how much of a commitment it takes to put these events together. It is monumental.
    In order to accomplish this, I would be delighted to assist in making this happen next year.
    Just ask me!
    Beverly Russo asatintuch@aol.com

    Posted by: Anonymous on December 7, 2008 at 12:11 am | Permalink

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  • recent comments:

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