In midst of heat wave, Cedar Grove celebrates 'Christmas in July'

Christmastime in New Jersey may not be the best time to hit the pool.

That is unless it’s "Christmas in July." Such was the case at the Cedar Grove Memorial Pool on Saturday as its members dived into the water to escape the 90-degree heat as Christmas songs blasted from the public address system.

Traditionally, the lifeguards had worn Santa hats in July. Then three years ago, Cedar Grove Recreation Director Marisa Landolfi, Program Coordinator John Fabrazzo and the pool staff decided to expand the festivities.

“We always had games," Fabrazzo said. "Now, it’s taken on a life of its own.” 

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In addition to the usual summertime poolside fun, children participated Saturday in Christmas-themed games at the top of each hour. They aimed rings at the “North Pole” for the Christmas Ring Toss. For the Toy Hunt, children 5 years old and younger dived into the baby pool for rubber ducks wearing Santa hats.

For Christmas Relays, teams of four raced across the shallow end in candy cane-striped rafts. As each boy or girl reached the other side of the pool, volunteers stacked a present for each feat. The object, as the teams completed the laps, was to get four presents stacked up before any opponents did.

Girl Scouts Hannah Rosenberg, Hannah Williams, Ava Bekhit and Ellie Yarger, all 8 years old, beamed for a picture celebrating their relay championship. Each took home a $10 gift card for the pool’s snack bar.

The girls didn’t practice for their first Christmas Relay win. However, Troop 20322 teaches teamwork, which contributed to the victory, they said, adding their fastest swimmer went last.

Early orders

Top billing went to jolly old St. Nicholas, although he appeared neither jolly nor old.

A female elf by his side, “Summer Santa” entered the pool patio dressed appropriately in swim trunks and a Hawaiian shirt. He circled the pool, greeting swimmers and sunbathers, before posing for pictures and listening to children’s early-bird Christmas wishes.

Bryce Kent, 8, wants a car that transforms into a remote-control boat. Mason Scialdone, 4, wants PJ Masks toys.

Nicholas Russomanno, 8, hopes for a Pokemon EX Tin and a fidget spinner. His twin sister, Juliana, also wants a fidget spinner.

Ty Fletcher, 7, noted he’ll be 8 years old by Christmas. He wants a Nintendo, with a charger.

Christmas fare

Between events, food and drink also had Christmas themes. Lunch choices included a sausage hoagie with green and red peppers, or roasted turkey with stuffing, along with cranberry or gravy on a toasted roll. Red and green frozen daiquiris were served, non-alcoholic, of course.

Francine Tuohey appeared on track to win the Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest. Albeit, her chocolate chip cookies, dipped in red and green chocolate, were the only entry this year.

Upcoming event

The Cedar Grove Memorial Pool dates back to the late 1960s. The 750 current members, including family memberships, make up a good portion of the township’s 12,000 population. The pool is open daily through Labor Day.

The next major event is a townwide Movie Night on Aug. 26. “Rogue One” will be featured.

Email: proctor@northjersey.com