New Date: Ocean County Lighting New Christmas Tree For 2018

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The celebration lighting Ocean County's new 28-foot Norway spruce has been postponed due to the National Day of Mourning for former Pres. George H.W. Bush, Ocean County officials announced Tuesday.

The county's tree lighting celebration now will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at the Ocean County Administration Building. It had been set for Dec. 5.

"We thought postponing the tree lighting would be appropriate," Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little said. "We will mark the passing of our 41st President George H. W. Bush with a moment of silence during the Freeholder meeting which is still scheduled for that day."

The Norway spruce at the corner of Hooper Avenue and Washington Street in Toms River replaced a massive blue spruce that stood at the corner for decades; county officials had it replaced this year because the blue spruce was weakening. The Norway spruce was planted in May.

"This is the largest tree the county has ever planted and I’m happy to say it’s ready for the holidays," Little said.

Festivities on the steps of the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Ave., will include holiday music performed by the Silver Bay Elementary School Chorus and hot and cold apple cider and Christmas cookies baked by the Ocean County Vocational-Technical Schools culinary arts students. The tree will be lit at 5 p.m. by Cecelia Grace Kelly and Juliana Faith Kelly.

The massive blue spruce that stood at the corner of Hooper Avenue and Washington Street is seen in an August 2017 Google Maps photo.