Jim Schroeder, President (856) 848-6440

Jim Schroeder, President (856) 848-6440 (856) 385-7081 Fax

Greater Egg Harbor City Chamber of Commerce PO Box 129 Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215

EGG HARBOR CITY ­– The Greater Egg Harbor City Chamber of Commerce kicks off the holiday shopping season with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. The free event takes place in front of the Atlantic County Library Rose Mohr Learning Center, 134 Philadelphia Ave.

Along with lighting the tree, the chamber will dedicate “Bruce’s Lights,” 10 new, lighted snowflakes that have been erected on the 300-block of Philadelphia Avenue. The new decorations were purchased with the proceeds of the chamber’s International Taste of the Town event held last April, in memory of local businessman Bruce Lehneis.

Bruce passed away in 2005, but left a legacy that residents of all ages will continue to enjoy for generations. Bruce so loved the holidays that before he passed, he requested that donations be made to the chamber to purchase snowflake lights for the 100- and 200-blocks of Philadelphia Avenue, which had just completed a multi-million dollar streetscape improvement project. Reigning Miss Atlantic County Lindsey Giannini and Egg Harbor City’s Little Miss and Mister, and Miss Latina will help Bruce’s wife Melanie flip the switch to light the tree and the avenue.

The event features music by the Cedar Creek High School Brass Ensemble and Choir. Simply Sweet Cupcakes and Mario’s Uptown Grill and Pizzeria have teamed up to provide refreshments that nourish the soul and warm the heart. Santa will arrive aboard a fire truck, distributing goodies for good little girls and boys. Bring the little ones and a camera.

For more information, visit www.greatereggchamber.com.