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AddamsFest 2024
October is just around the corner. You know what that means, right? One of the biggest events of the year takes place in October. No. I’m not talking about Halloween. I’m talking about AddamsFest 2024!
AddamsFest 2024
Special Events
Morticia & Gomez’s Masquerade Ball – Held on October 4th at the James Ward Mansion, this event sells out quickly every year. If you’re lucky, you might snag a few tickets before they’re gone. Each ticket costs $125, with a cap of four tickets per purchase. Make sure you dress to kill.
Cartoon Workshop – Are you interested in becoming the next Charles Addams? Charles Schultz? Jim Davis? Sign up for a Cartoon Workshop with the New Yorker’s very own Dan Misdea. This workshop takes place from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Westfield Memorial Library. While it costs nothing to attend, you must register ahead of time to participate.
Lantern Cemetery Tours – This free event takes you on a tour of the Presbyterian Church of Westfield’s very own burial grounds. Tours take place every 10 minutes between 4:30 pm and 6 pm on October 6th. First come, first served. In case of inclement weather, organizers scheduled a rain date for the following Sunday (October 13th).
Be Witched – Learn all about the various interpretations of witches throughout the years, including those in Charles Addams’ work. This special presentation takes place from 5 pm to 8 pm on October 11th, from 12 pm to 6 pm on October 12th, and from 12 pm to 5 pm on October 13th at the Gallery on Broad.
Full Moon Community Gathering – October’s full moon takes place on October 17th this year. To celebrate, our own good witch Tammy Spiewak hosts a community gathering at the Minnowaskin Park gazebo at 5 pm. Set your intentions for the upcoming month at this event. In case of rain, the gathering moves into the Westfield Memorial Library. No tickets required.
Haunt Your House – Two haunts for the price of one. Homeowners interested in competing choose between daytime haunts and nighttime haunts. With only 25 spots open in each category, spots fill up very quickly. If you are interested in being one of those homes, register today. Don’t worry if you miss out on competing, though. Honestly, the public becomes the real winners. How? Between October 13th and October 30th, you vote for your favorite homes. The three homes that receive the most votes in each category wins.
Hexed: A Bewitching Musical Revue – For two nights only, the Acting Out Theatre hosts their own haunting musical about famous witches of film, including Hermione Granger (the “Harry Potter” series), Ursula (“The Little Mermaid”), the Sanderson Sisters (“Hocus Pocus”), and many more. Tickets cost $18 per adult and $13 per child (under 14 years old).
Addams Family Fun Day – Don’t miss the fun planned on October 20th on Quimby St and Downtown Westfield. This free event includes pumpkin painting, a live pumpkin carving performance by the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, a costume contest, OMG Bubbles, live musical performances, and much, much more.
All Month Long
Addams Family House on Minnowaskin Pond (385 E Broad St) – Photo-op waiting to happen.
Addams-Inspired Murals (Central Ave Underpass) – The artists using this ever-changing canvas showcase their ghoulish masterpieces created with inspiration drawn from Charles Addams’ beloved characters.
Bewitched Selfie-Stop (East Broad St) – Located next to the Central Ave underpass, take a scary selfie next to the temporary statue created to honor Salem’s Bewitched statue.
Wicked Windows of Westfield (Downtown Westfield) – Keep your eyes open when walking around downtown. Dozens of local businesses transform their windows into haunted designs using many of the Addams Family characters.
Bike MS NYC 2024
Team Guys and Dolls takes to Manhattan streets again for Bike MS NYC 2024. So far, we managed to raise almost half of the $5000 goal we set for ourselves this year. But we still need your help to raise the rest. Please visit our official Team Guys and Dolls page today to make a donation. Whether you pledge $25 or $200, it all goes to a great cause: helping to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Please donate today. Thank you.
I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!
View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Christmas Tree Recycling in Westfield
When do you usually take down your Christmas tree? The day after Christmas? New Year’s Day? Now? What do you do with that tree once you take it down? If your answer is not “use it for firewood”, you need to know that regular curbside pickup is not an option. Instead, utilize this Christmas tree recycling in Westfield to safely dispose of it.
Christmas Tree Recycling
Unfortunately, you missed the deadline to sign up for the Westfield High School Band to come pick up your tree. Fortunately, however, the Westfield Conservation Center stays open from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturdays throughout January. And they take in all Christmas trees that fulfilled their destiny this holiday season. Just make sure you get rid of any decorations, lights, tinsel, and the tree stand.
Usually, the center requires a permit for “organic materials” (shrubs, twigs, branches, grass clippings, logs, etc.). But in January, you may drop off your Christmas tree (like the one you purchased at the Y’s Men’s Tree Lot) for free. However, you still need a permit to drop off any organic materials. You must obtain a permit online before you visit the Westfield Conservation Center. Otherwise, you may get turned away at the gate. The center accepts Christmas trees through March 13, 2024.
Other Recycling Allowed
Other items you may drop off without a permit include plastics, books, cardboard, clothing, food waste, household batteries, fluorescent lights, styrofoam, string lights, toys, scrap metal, reusable bags, plastic bags, tennis balls, household electronics, and wine corks. Household bulk waste and mattresses require permits. They cost $40 per carload for Westfield residents and $60 for Scotch Plains residents. All permits must be purchased online. None will be sold at the center. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the Westfield Conservation Center at (908) 789-4100.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Y’s Men Christmas Tree Lot 2023
The wait is over. The Westfield Area Y’s Men Christmas Tree Lot opens this weekend. New year. New look. Still the best selection of trees, wreaths, and more.
What: Westfield Area Y’s Men Christmas Tree Lot 2023
Where: Elm Street Field
When: November 25th to December 23rd (while supplies last)
Y’s Men Christmas Tree Lot 2023
After unloading truck-full after truck-full, the lot has been set. Gates open promptly at 9 am on Saturday, November 25th. The lot stays open from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and from 5 pm to 9 pm on weeknights. We will remain open as long as our supply lasts. But I must warn you. We run out well before the 23rd every single year. So, I strongly encourage you to plan on shopping early for the best selection.
Like years past, we offer Fraser firs and Balsam firs to hang your Christmas decorations on. Additionally, we showcase beautiful wreaths (a lovely way to welcome guests to Christmas dinner), evergreen roping (perfect for those holiday photos on the stairs), and grave stands (to honor our loved ones who can no longer be with us during the holidays). We also provide tree stands for sale just in case you find yourself without one.
New this year is our beautifully redesigned trailer. While the old white one served us well for many, many years, we thought it was time for something new. Thanks to Maria Baker, we boast a brand new gingerbread house sales trailer that looks good enough to eat. What do you think of it? Let me know in the comments below. Or, better yet, seek me out at the lot and let me know in person.
Fanwood Santa Parade
For our friends over in Fanwood, I have good news. The Santa Parade returns in 2023. What does that mean? Santa takes a moment from his busy schedule to visit Fanwood on December 16th to bring presents to good little boys and girls all over town. If you want to ensure that your child/children receive a gift directly from the big man, drop it off at the Fanwood Fire Department between 5 pm and 9 pm on November 27th to December 1st. All gifts must be no bigger than a shoebox, come pre-wrapped, and include the child’s name, parent’s/guardian’s name, delivery address, and a phone number in clear letters on the box. Only kids aged 14 and under can be part of Santa’s parade.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Westfield Winter Wonderland 2022
Brrr. The weather outside is frightful. But the holidays are so delightful. If you want to celebrate the season with the family, make Westfield Winter Wonderland 2022 your destination of choice.
What: Westfield Winter Wonderland 2022
Where: Foundation Park
When: December 18th, 12 pm to 4 pm
Westfield Winter Wonderland 2022
City officials transform Foundation Park into a Westfield Winter Wonderland on Sunday, December 18th. Let the kids warm up and get that excited energy out at Bouncy House Park. Watch magician Peter Juris perform two separate shows inside Acting Out Studios. And take a photo with Santa at Just a Soul Photography. Lots of fun for the entire family!
Menorah Lighting
The first day of Hanukkah also falls on December 18th this year. To celebrate, Rabbi Block officially lights the first candle of the 2022 menorah. If you want to watch, head over to the North Ave Train Station after you visit Westfield Winter Wonderland. He lights the menorah at 4:30 pm.
Westfield Christmas Trees for Sale
Yes. The Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot is still open for business. Unfortunately, we had to shut down on Tuesday due to rain. But we are back up and running again. We still have a few trees left. However, you need to get here this weekend. I’m not sure how much longer supplies will last. Remember, if you see me, say “hello”.
Toys for Tots Westfield
Finally, the Westfield Police Department accepts new, unwrapped toys for their 2022 Toys for Tots campaign through December 14th. Just drop your donations off in the Toys for Tots bins located inside the police department lobby during normal business hours. Can’t make it to the office? That’s OK. You can also visit their Amazon website and purchase gifts directly from their wishlist. For answers to your questions, please contact Dominick Sandelli at (908) 789-6040. Thank you and happy holidays!
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022
First, sit down for a huge Thanksgiving dinner with your loved ones. Then, tackle those Black Friday sales. But on Saturday, make plans to visit the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot to get started on your Christmas decorations.
- What: Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022
- Where: Field Across from Stop & Shop on Elm St
- When: 9 am to 6 pm Sat & Sun, 5 pm to 9 pm Mon through Fri starting November 26th (while supplies last)
Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022
For more than 70 years now, the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club has hosted a Christmas Tree Lot for the community. And I am proud to say that I have been personally involved for many, many years now. In fact, the Christmas Tree Lot is our biggest fundraiser for the year. Every single penny raised from the sales gets donated to local charities and other non-profit organizations.
We offer the classic Douglas fir as well as the more fragrant Balsam firs. We even have the Fralsam fir which combines the best characteristics of a Fraser and a Balsam. In addition to trees, the Men’s Club sells beautiful wreaths and tree stands. But if you want to impress your friends and family with one of these beauties this year, you need to come to the Christmas Tree Lot early. We always sell out pretty quickly. See you there!
Volunteers Needed
Our tree shipment arrives from Pennsylvania and Canada on Friday, November 25th. We could really use some help unloading the trailers and setting up the lot so we can open up for business the next day. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please email me.
Westfield United by Light
Just a reminder. Westfield United by Light takes place on Sunday, November 27th. It may be too late to buy the Westfield United Fund’s candle kits. But, you can still show your support. All you need to do is create your own luminarias along your driveway and the sidewalk in front of your Westfield home. And, if you can spare a few dollars, please donate to the WUF online.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
