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Politics & Government

Holiday Nature Craft Show - Trailside

Usher in the holidays with the sights and sounds of the season at the 28th annual Holiday Nature Craft Show at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.  The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to present this seasonal craft show and charity drive in conjunction with the Union County Menorah and Tree Lighting Celebration at Trailside on Sunday, December 4, 2011 from 11:00am – 5:00pm.  The price of admission is an item of dry or canned food or a new, unwrapped toy to be distributed through local charities.

“While shopping at the Nature Craft Show for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family, visitors will be treated to a festive afternoon of activities,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon.  “Adding to the holiday atmosphere, carolers will entice visitors to join them in a sing-along and decorated trees will be displayed throughout the Trailside Visitors Center.”

Staff from various Union County departments will decorate trees in the Visitors Center.  All the trees, ornaments and gift cards collected will be distributed to Union County families in need.  Visitors are encouraged to stop by each holiday tree and vote on their favorite decoration theme for this year. 

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With a large selection of handcrafted items available at the show, you will certainly be able to check some names off your gift list.  More than 40 vendors will be selling nature-themed items such as natural wreaths, ornaments, handmade gift baskets and hand-painted or stenciled home décor.  Crafters and artisans will also offer unique toys, jewelry, stained glass and other gift items with wildlife, gardening and nature themes.  Light refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day. 

The day’s activities will include the Union County Tree and Menorah Lighting at 1:30pm in the Trailside Auditorium.  Children will be able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 12:00pm to 4:30pm in the auditorium and free children’s coloring and face painting will be offered on the upper level of the Visitor Center to keep the little ones entertained.

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The Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal would like to offer special thanks to the ShopRite of Clark, Williams Nursery, Dreyer Farms and Parker Gardens for their generous donations as sponsors of this holiday event and charity drive.

 For additional information about the Holiday Nature Craft Show please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or go to www.ucnj.org/trailside.   Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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