PARSIPPANY — On Friday, December 7, The Friends of Lake Hiawatha sponsored their annual Winterfest at the gazebo on North Beverwyck Road.
Attendance and enthusiasm was high as the children waited for Santa Claus, who came in on a fire truck. Hot chocolate and cookies were served as the children (and parents) waited on line to tell Santa what they want for Christmas.
Two bicycles were raffled off and won by two very excited children.
Throughout the evening, the crowd was entertained by the caroling by Girl Scout Troops 96623 from Knollwood School, 97446 from Lake Hiawatha School and 97442 from Eastlake School.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano joined the festivities and his attendance throughout the evening was very much appreciated by all. A very special thanks to the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department and the Parsippany Traffic Department who help keep everyone safe.
The Friends of Lake Hiawatha is a non-profit organization that began in 2011. The original intent of the organization was to decorate every lamppost in town with snowflakes and wreaths and have barrels for spring and fall flowers. With the generous donations of the majority of the store owners along Beverwyck Road, they were able to accomplish their goals.
The organization did not stop there. They initiated the scarecrow contest which takes place every October and the Winterfest both with the help of the Parsippany Girl Scouts.
The present organization’s members are Antoinette Simmons, Carol Greco and John Pascarella, owner of the Hiawatha Dairy. However, the Winterfest would not be successful without the help of two very important non-official members, Fred Simmons and Carolyn Piccolo. And of course a very big thanks to our Santa Claus.
