Making Verona Sparkle

Verona is preparing to deck the halls.  With Thanksgiving in the rear view, the town has begun its annual tradition of adorning the streets and square with holiday decorations.

“Decorating downtown is an important part of advertising our brand,” said Township Manger Joseph Martin.  “Every town is a brand of it’s own and when you invest in that, it adds to the overall quality of life.”

Verona has a 20+-year tradition of hanging large wreaths or snowflakes from the utility poles along downtown Bloomfield Avenue.  Additionally, in the past four years, the town has decorated the square with ornaments and baskets. 

“We start right after Thanksgiving and have everything in place for Fair in the Square,” said Martin, referring to the Saturday afternoon family-fest that rings in holiday cheer with performers, crafters, ice-sculpting and other seasonal fun. 

The cost of holiday decorating is estimated at $4,000, according to Martin, who says the monies come out of the Civic Affairs portion of the budget.  Fair in the Square is funded in large part privately, with contributions from community organizations as well as local sponsorships. 

“More important than the cost, is the joy it brings to downtown.  It’s one of the many efforts that promote a quality of life here,” said Martin. 

What do you think?  Do the town's decorations make life better in Verona?  Tell us in the comments.