This year’s WinterFest may have been the biggest yet, since officials believe that around 10,000 people attended.
The town of North Bergen runs the festival each year around the holidays.
The weather was warmer than average this year, bringing more residents out of their homes and onto Bergenline Avenue for the 16th year of the event.
“It’s probably the most successful one we ever had,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco. “Not only were there more programs, it had more people than ever attended. There might have been 10,000 people, and that’s amazing for a community our size.”
“It’s probably the most successful one we ever had.” – Nicholas Sacco
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This year’s parade included a total of three floats. Characters like Cinderella, Snow White, and Santa Claus, along with public officials, greeted the crowd. The parade also featured the North Bergen High School Band, among other marchers.
Other attractions included the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue trailer, and horse and carriage rides in James J. Braddock Park. Refreshments were served.
“I liked it better than last year because this year, we had a little bit more fun. Last year it was raining,” said Juliet San, a Horace Mann Elementary School Student.
Volunteers keep event alive
According to Township Administrator Christopher Pianese, the cost of the event is less than $10,000.
Sacco said the township only has to pay for rides, floats, and certain other amenities, but the workers at the event are township and school employees, along with students themselves.
He said that the North Bergen Police Department contains approximately 120 officers, and 62 of them volunteered their time for the event.
Many of the high school students also give their time for the event, whether they are donning costumes or providing entertainment. This year, numerous stands were set up to raise funds for Project Graduation, including the popular pie-throwing contest.
“I’m just ecstatic,” said Sacco. “I think it was a very successful evening.”
Resident Nelis Perez said that the event was interesting because she was able to see all different types of people from the community.
“It’s very nice,” said her daughter Maria. “It’s fun. There’s rides, and you can see Disney [characters].”
Choirs perform for a packed crowd
The highlight of the evening is always when all of the North Bergen School District’s choirs perform.
North Bergen High School, along with Franklin, Fulton, Horace Mann, Kennedy, Lincoln, and McKinley Elementary Schools, sung for one of the largest crowds they had in years. Selections included songs in both English and Spanish, a cappella, or with accompaniments like guitar and keyboard.
“I think it’s important so that people can experience new songs,” said Juliet San, who performed “Bring Them Home” with the Horace Mann Choir. “I think we did pretty well and we had a very good audience.”
She said that all of the schools performed new songs that she liked.
Even as the temperatures dropped, thousands stood in place waiting for their family and friends to take the stage.
“It’s so beautiful,” said Diago Pedoa as he waited for his daughter to perform.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.