Rays of Light Winter Festival

Ocean Township held its "Rays of Light Winter Festival" Dec. 2 at Joe Palaia Park. The event, hosted by the Department of Human Services, used light to pay tribute to community caring and the power of the human spirit.

Light was chosen as a theme because of its significance throughout human history, to represent "both the warmth of love and the hope of a dawn in the darkness of winter," according to a pamphlet from the event. The lights will be lit from Dec. 2 through Jan. 15.

Top: The Ocean Township Elementary School chorus sing "Gonna Catch That Santa" at the town's tree-lighting winter festival at municipal hall on Monmouth Road. Pictured are (l-r) Taylor Bell, Danielle Richter and Samantha Jeffrey.

Bottom: The Ocean Township Intermediate School's band plays at the festival.

PICTURES BY ALEX TOWLE