The Middlesex County Office of Culture and Heritage will host its “Seasonal Traditions” holiday program at East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway.
These special events, all free of charge, will be held at the Village (1050 River Road, inside Johnson Park) from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, December 11. The event is being sponsored by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, The Township of Piscataway and the Piscataway Girl Scouts.
Scheduled activities include:
Children’s Craft Session: 1-6 p.m.- Fun for children of all ages! Make paper chain garlands and festive holiday cards with the Piscataway Girl Scouts. Also, you can create gingerbread door hangers, along with other winter-themed crafts. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
350th anniversary of the Founding of Piscataway Township: 2 p.m. – Mayor Brian C. Wahler will read a proclamation celebrating the 350th anniversary of the founding of Piscataway Township.
Horse and Carriage Rides: 2-6 p.m. – Guests are invited to take a ride back to the 19th century, and enjoy the views of Johnson Park from a horse-drawn carriage.
Music by Mary Roth: 3-4 p.m. – Singer-songwriter Mary Roth will perform songs related to Hanukah and other aspects of Jewish culture. Roth is an accomplished musician who will incorporate the dulcimer and the bouzouki in her performance. Roth will sing in Hebrew, Yiddish and English.
Winter Stories by Dave Emerson: 4-5 p.m. – Enjoy winter stories on the center green, including anecdotes about the origins of holiday customs, the popularity of the Christmas tree, the Victorian “invention” of modern Christmas and tales about “the most wonderful time of the year.”
Songs of Christmas by Spiced Punch: 5-6 p.m. – The vocal quartet Spiced Punch will perform traditional Christmas carols, while costumed in reproduction 19th-century garb. The group features David Emerson, Stacy Roth, Marianne Tucker and Tom Tucker, performing on strings, recorders, tin whistles and concertinas.
The Village will open at 1 p.m. and a guided tour will be given at 1:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be served throughout the event. For more information please call 732-745-3030 ext.310. Persons with hearing disabilities may dial 732-745-3888 (TTY users only) or 711, the New Jersey Relay System. In case of inclement weather, call 732. 296.8966.
An Assistive Listening System will be in use during programs. An American Sign Language Interpreter can be provided with a two-week advance request.