Credit Monta Harris
The Irvington Avenue Corridor Advisory Committee capped off its inaugural year by celebrating the naming and branding of the Irvington Avenue Business District at a holiday tree lighting celebration on Friday, December 12.
“Knowing that places have a greater potential to thrive when they can be easily identified and embraced using a unique name, the committee tapped into lots of community input, including a web-based vote on a final selection of three names, to come up with Seton Village. We are so excited to have the upcoming holidays as a way of celebrating the new name as well as all of the work that so many volunteers have put into getting to this point.” said Doug Zacker, South Orange resident and Chairperson of the IACAC.
“The tree lighting is the culmination of all the work our volunteers have done to beautify the Seton Village neighborhood and make it a destination for shoppers, restaurant-goers, Seton Hall University students, and neighborhood residents alike.”
The celebration celebration drew a sizeable crowd despite frosty temperature, as families with children gathered at the pocket park on Irvington and West Fairview Avenues to enjoy arts and craft, refreshments and live music — including a performance from Seton Hall University’s a cappella group The Gentlemen of the Hall.
The new Seton Village banners and logo were on display, showcasing the neighborhood’s new name and logo.
At around 6:00 p.m., youngsters from the Baird Community Preschool warmed up the crowd for the lighting of the tree, as well as for the evening’s special guest: Santa Claus, who was also be available for picture-taking.
An rather young Mrs. Claus made an appearance in the form of South Orange Village Trustee Sheena Collum.
As part of the occasion, a number of Irvington Avenue restaurants featured special offers and discounts, including 15 percent off all non-seafood menu items at Inkosi Café, 20 percent off all menu items at Guanaticos, and 15 percent off the check at University Subs.
The tree lighting celebration was sponsored by South Orange Village, the Irvington Avenue Corridor Advisory Committee and the Seton Hall Student Government Association.
Click on any image below to start a slideshow of photos from the celebration. Photos are provided courtesy of montaharrisphotography.com:
