Belleville Township, Clara Maass Hospital Celebrate Three Kings Day

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Hundreds of cars full of kids and adults recently took part in Belleville's annual drive-thru event celebrating Three Kings Day at Belleville High School. Meanwhile, Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville also took part in the holiday, which celebrates the biblical tale in which the Three Kings, or “Three Wise Men,” visit baby Jesus after his birth.

On Jan. 6, nearly 750 cars marked the occasion in Belleville, making their way down Passaic Avenue and onto Buccaneer Way. They were greeted by bright lights illuminating the sky, holiday music, glistening floats, dancers dressed as snow angels, three hay-chomping camels, a giant star hung from a firetruck ladder and, of course, the Three Kings.

In keeping with the tradition of the holiday, each child received a gift.

The Three Kings Day event was supported by Belleville PBA Local 28, the Mayor Michael Melham Civic Association and the Belleville Republican Committee.

According to a news release from the township, it was a group effort involving the entire community:

“The nonpartisan community event took the combined effort of the whole town, from the people who donated the toys to the volunteers who spent many hours wrapping them. Plus, members of the township’s police and fire departments helped make it a festive night, ensuring the camels weren’t too feisty.”

“It’s amazing how popular this event has become in Belleville,” Melham said. “Between this event and the Winter Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting event, Belleville shows that we are dedicated to making spirits bright and celebrating our rich diversity.”

TEDDY BEAR CLINIC

Clara Maass also marked the occasion, hosting a “teddy bear clinic” to help kids get more comfortable for their next doctor’s office visit and provide health information for parents at an annual Three Kings Day Celebration in Newark.

Held at the Essex County College gymnasium, the event has become popular in Newark. Last year, more than 2,000 Newark children attended the event and received free toys.

Three Kings Day is an important holiday for the Latino community in the United States, Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean Islands, Clara Maass spokespeople noted.

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