Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • November 30, 2011 Everyone is invited to Ridgewood for a gala celebration on Friday, Dec. 2 as the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 26th Anniversary of Downtown for the Holidays. East Ridgewood Avenue will be closed to traffic from 4:30 to 9 p.m. to accommodate this annual event. The Christmas tree lighting and celebration will be held at the east side of the train station, located at the intersection of East Ridgewood Avenue and Broad Street. Last year, with much passion and perseverance, Paul Vagianos spearheaded a campaign, working with members of the Ridgewood Business District, Chamber of Commerce, Ridgewood Village Council, and residents to bring the celebration back to this traditional location. Chamber members will set up their tables on East Ridgewood Avenue from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Members who wish to participate, but have not yet contacted the Chamber, are invited to call (201) 445-2600 or e-mail info@ridgewoodchamber. com. Once again, the Downtown for the Holidays Entertainment Committee has put together a spectacular stage show. The music will start at 5:30 p.m. and performances will follow at 7 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. the tree lighting ceremony will be held. Entertainment at the stage will continue until 8 p.m. Performances will continue in the streets of the village from 8 to 9 p.m. Santa will be in his house at Van Neste Square Park from 8 to 9 p.m. Look for Santa’s elves, who will be ringing Downtown for the Holidays coming to village their bells to lead everyone toward the Jolly Old Elf. A live band will play during this hour. The Dec. 3 celebration will include multiple events. Event organizers have planned some wonderful surprises, so be sure to stay in Ridgewood to catch it all. Make your shopping and dining reservations now. The celebration will continue each Saturday before Christmas. On Saturday, Dec. 3, join Santa for breakfast at Park West Tavern. Call (201) 445-6500 for reservations. Santa will then jump on a big red Ridgewood Fire Truck and head up East Ridgewood Avenue to Columbia Bank where children will receive gifts and have an opportunity to speak with him. At 10:30 a.m., there will be a free children’s movie at the Warner Clearview Theater for the entire family to enjoy. The Chamber Trolley will be taking everyone through the business district for shopping and dining. From 2 to 4 p.m., Santa will be in his house located at Memorial Park/ Van Neste Square. On Dec. 10 and 17, Santa will be at his house in the park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The trolley will be traveling through the business district. Visit Santa in the park with any last minute requests from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24. Event organizers expect many families to view the traditional tree lighting ceremony this year. Last year, approximately 3,000 people visited Ridgewood for the festivities. Local businesses are invited to open their doors, welcome the community, and give out coupons to encourage them to return the next day. For details, call the Chamber at (201) 445-2600, visit www.experienceridgewood.com, or check out the Chamber on Facebook.com. The Chamber office is located at 27 Chestnut Street, first floor. In the summer of 2010, the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce launched “The Mall-Ternative” campaign, an effort to encourage area residents to shop and dine locally. The centerpiece of this campaign is the new Chamber Rewards Card, which may be used to access special offers at participating Ridgewood businesses. To receive a Chamber Rewards Card, visit the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce office at 27 Chestnut Street, First Floor, Suite 1B, or ask any participating vendor for a card. To have the card mailed to you, contact the Chamber office at (201) 445-2600 or info@ridgewoodchamber. com. There is no cost to sign up for a card, and residents of any town are welcome to request one. To receive discounts and other special offers, simply present the card to participating vendors. Shoppers must present the card at the time of purchase; otherwise, the offered promotion is not valid. Each participating business offers its own unique and exciting deal to those who shop and dine in Ridgewood. ‘Mall-Ternative’ encourages shopping, dining To learn more about which businesses are participating in this program, look for a “Rewards Card Accepter Here!” poster in the windows or doors of shops and restaurants throughout the village. All of these businesses are current Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce members. For a complete list, visit the Chamber website, experienceridgewood.com. The card does not expire; however, promotions will change from time to time. Check the Chamber’s website for current offers. Lost cards will be replaced. Chamber officials remind local residents that successful businesses contribute to the tax base, meet consumer demand, and add vibrancy to the community. Small businesses that line main streets throughout northern New Jersey are feeling the crunch of the sluggish economy, and the Ridgewood Chamber is encouraging all of its members to take part in this new campaign to help stimulate foot traffic.