'Soggy Santa' Still Draws a Crowd at Town Tree Lighting

Friday's stormy weather may have abbreviated some of the usual outdoor fun at Hillsborough Township's tree lighting event, but it didn't dampen the thrill for kids waiting to see Santa.

The night's plan called for Santa to arrive, courtesy of the Flagtown Volunteer Fire Co., at about 6:45 p.m., as the crowd enjoyed hot chocolate, a petting zoo and other outdoor attractions.  

Then, after a countdown, the switch for the lights on the township's Christmas tree would be flipped at 7 p.m.

But the rain grew progressively heavier, so the outdoor activities were canceled or moved inside, and as the mass of umbrellas scrambled to greet a very soggy Santa, he dashed to the tree, called out a quick countdown and the tree beamed with colorful bulbs.

Then it was inside for the hot chocolate, cookies and Santa.