Merchantville | October 2022

Letter from the

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Merchantville, a magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Merchantville.

We are NMG media group, proudly providing over 50 publications within New Jersey and Pennsylvania, specializing in original local content. When the opportunity to reach the borough of Merchantville arose the obvious answer was a resounding yes.

There is so much to explore with its downtown district full of shopping, dining, year-round events and historic sites. Our goal is to connect you, the reader, with dynamic people and businesses in the community. Come with us as we take an inside look at what is happening locally throughout the seasons. Be sure to check out Merchantville on the Move (Page

18) for a look ahead at what’s coming soon.

I want to take this moment to give special thanks to my team and our contributors for their dedication in launching Merchantville. To our advertisers: thank you for starting this new adventure with us.

We are so excited to bring one-ofkind content directly to your door and look forward to future issues.

I hope you enjoy this first edition and look forward to seeing you for the holidays!

Yours Truly,

VP OF ADVERTISING SALES ARLENE REYES

PUBLISHER BRITTANY ROUGHT

EDITOR

MACKENZIE FITCHETT

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

RODIER

TABILE

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

MEGLINO

WASHINGTON

LAYOUT & DESIGN

KRAUSS

Brittany Rought Publisher

Fall 2022 Contributors:

MERCHANTVILLE is a publication of Newspaper Media Group, 130 Twinbridge Drive Pennsauken, NJ 08110 (856)779-3800 x6920 areyes@newspapermediagroup.com

Mindy Toran

Kathy Chang

Chris Isaac

Jasmine Farrell

Jamie Giambrone

Drew Matson

Eilandarts: Where history and creativity flow freely

BY KATHY CHANG

Step into Eilandarts Center and just feel those creative juices flowing.

Owners Nicole Eiland, a visual artist, and her husband Matt Eiland, a musician, along with their two children, are residents in the town where ‘everybody knows everybody’.

The Eiland’s aim is for people to come explore ‘all art forms’ and ‘creative expressions’ when they visit the arts center, which is located on the second floor of The Station building in historic Merchantville.

With more than 3,000 square feet, Eilandarts Center features a naturally lit gallery space, three dedicated music rooms and a fullystocked arts and crafts center which includes sewing machines, bookbinding supplies and ceramics supplies. Classes are offered year-round to all ages in a wide variety of subjects, such as music, art, yoga, writing, languages and photography, according to its website.

“I was really interested in having a space where people can be creative, “ Nicole said. “I like to teach creativity, which is very different from teaching just the craft of drawing. I really think creativity helps people to grow in anything, not just arts.”

Creativity brings balance, she said, adding ‘it’s like a muscle you have to train’.

The Eilands moved the center to the Merchantville location seven and a half years ago after its original opening 12 years ago, in a smaller space.

Nicole said she fell in love with the building which exudes historical charm.

“It’s just beautiful,” she said, adding she ‘loves the light’ that filters into the building. “It used to be an office building and ‘historically’ it used to be a train station.”

A sign outside of the building provides information on the Merchantville train station courtesy of a grant from the Camden County Board of Freeholders, now the Board of County Commissioners.

“The opening of the Camden & Burlington County Railroad in 1867 spurred a wave of development in Merchantville. The railroad provided passenger and freight service between Moorestown and Camden with con-

nections, via ferry, to Philadelphia,” the sign reads.

“The former Merchantville train station, located at 10 East Chestnut Avenue, is a significant historic landmark in the downtown, serving as a reminder of the transportation mode that transformed Merchantville from a summer resort for affluent Philadelphia residents into a year-round commuter suburb in the late 19th century.

“The last passenger train went through on Friday, April 25, 1969. Freight trains continued for a few more years. As the remaining tracks were removed, in April 1990, the trail of history was bid farewell,” according to the sign.

Currently, a walking trail runs where the tracks once were.

The two-story building is listed on the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places as part of the Cattell Historic District.

When the Eilands purchased the building, they took down walls to open up the space on the second floor for the arts center.

The center is in the midst of its current show: “Unearthly, Dreamy – it’s spooky

time.”

“The ‘Unearthly’ show is one specifically for Merchantville because in October we turn Merchantville into Monsterville, it’s this big thing,” Nicole said.

Twenty-five artists are participating in the juried art show, which range from professional full-time artists to first time artists.

“These are all local artists,” she said. “When we opened, we were surprised how many artists live in this town [also including] performers, musicians and writers.”

Before the pandemic, Eilandarts was hopping with book signings, poetry nights, concerts and pop-up dinners.

Now they are aiming to get back to those events and more.

“I think it’s nice to have all these different events,” Nicole said, which helps expose various art forms to the public.

In May, Nicole organizes a one-night art walk. This coming spring will be the fifth art walk, which pairs different artists with businesses.

“You can just walk through the whole town, meet new businesses and view new art,” she said.

To learn more about Eilandarts Center visit eilandarts.com. It is located on the second floor at 10 East Chestnut Avenue. 

Photos courtesy of Jamie Long Nicole and Mat Eiland of Eilandarts Center.

Aunt Charlotte’s CANDIES

BY DREW MATSON

There is over 100 years of Merchantville history, and the passion of four generations, behind the sweet success of Aunt Charlotte’s Candies. The story of Aunt Charlotte’s began in 1920 where the founder, Charles Brooks Oakford Sr., made caramels with his wife, Ruth, in their home and sold them on the streets of Merchantville out of a Model T Ford truck. Graduating from the truck in 1926, Charles grew the business into a storefront, then known as Aunt Charlotte’s Candy Cottage, coined as an homage to Charles Sr.’s beloved aunt.

In 1945 Charles Sr. passed away. His son, Charles Jr., returned from World War II and took over the business with his wife, Virginia. The storefront moved to different locations over the years, always in Merchantville, but found its current home in 1984 at 5 West Maple Avenue.

Today, the candy shop is operated by Charles Jr.’s daughter’s, Randy Oakford

please see BITES, page 7

and Penny Trost.

Randy pilots the shop, where she sells all the delectable candies lovingly made by Penny and her son, Ryan Trost.

Most visitors will only ever see the inviting shop through the main entrance, but there is more than what meets the eye to this building.

The entire upstairs is a dedicated candy factory. On a tour of the factory, Randy Oakford showed off lengthy conveyor belts, where an employee individually placed and carefully spaced roasted almonds. These nuts were carried under a deluge of constantly pumping hot milk chocolate. Once covered, the nuts journeyed onward through a tube that rapidly cooled to harden the chocolate. On the other side, another employee dutifully inspected the end product, discarding the few that did not pass the eye test, and placed the pristine morsels in a box to be packaged downstairs in the production area behind the shop.

The majority of what happens in the factory is made with more traditional, less automated tools and machinery. They use massive copper pots to cook, pressers from the 1940’s and long marble slab tables used to cool their cooked concoctions. “You won’t see these in other places today,” Randy said. “We have the original marble tables, so to buy them today would be too expensive. Now they use metal tables that are water cooled underneath.” Even their seasonal candy canes are done the traditional way; cooked in copper pots, cooled on marble and hand spun on a hook.

This candy operation is far more laborious than most people would think. “We employ 35 people,” Randy said. “More around the holidays because it just gets so busy.” During the tour it was obvious why they needed so much help: every person working at Aunt Charlotte’s was in a constant state of motion to do their parts in the process from creating, packaging and selling the candies.

The end result is a true treasure trove

of treats where you can find something for everyone; chocolate covered nuts that are roasted on site, colorful nonpareils, heavenly rich almond dusted butter crunches, perfectly textured chocolate covered pretzels and so much more. However, it would be a misstep not to mention their cashew crabs. Most people may know them as “turtles”, but the way Aunt Charlotte’s makes the treat is so good, that frankly, they can call them whatever they please.

Aunt Charlotte’s Candies embraces its

legacy and strives for quality, the end result of that combination is a wonderful dose of authenticity. The next time you are looking for a gift, party favor, or just a treat for yourself, be sure to visit this American Dream made in Merchantville.

Photos courtesy of Jamie Giambrone

R) Penny Trost, Randy Oakford and Ryan Trost of Aunt Charlottes Candies

MERCHANTVILLE’S

Monsterville

BY JASMINE FARRELL

In 2016, Merchantville, NJ launched Monsterville, an experience in honor of Halloween. Since then, a boatload of events and Halloween magic have been added to enhance the overall experience of Monsterville. “We are a welcoming community and Monsterville really gives us a chance to show that to visitors,” said Rebecca Callaway, the Director of Community Development in Merchantville.

Merchantville Market Off Centre, Merchantville’s farmer’s market, offers various events leading up to Halloween. A group of residents came together and finetuned the cluster of events. The Mayor, Ted Brennan, realized that the residents of Merchantville adore Halloween so he decided to make the festivities a monthlong experience. Monsterville was planted with sturdy roots which include ordinances to adopt that every year, from October 1st through 31st, Merchantville is officially renamed Monsterville. Borough signs, highway greetings, etc will all read Monsterville all month long.

“It’s become a huge part of the culture of the town and something that our residents are proud to be a part of and energized around it. They look forward to it every year,” Callaway mentions. Callaway, along with the Public Events Committee and the Markets off Centre team come together to continue planning and curating the Monsterville events. The Merchantville Business and Professional Association also contributes heavily to the

festivities.

The Association takes part in the annual Haunts of Monsterville decorating contest by decking out their storefronts to fully transform Merchantville to Monsterville throughout the downtown. They have dedicated time for trick or treaters to visit the downtown businesses and host annual Monsterville events including Aradia’s Treasures’ Mystery and Magic in

please see MONSTER,

Monsterville and the Monsterville Zombie Run hosted by The Gaskill family, owners of Gaskill-Brown Funeral Home.

When asked about her favorite part of Monsterville, Callaway replied with: “Halloween itself in Merchantville. The trick or treating is iconic here. You’ve got these beautiful tree-lined streets with Victorian homes and the setting of it is something out of a movie. We welcome thousands of trick-or-treaters … I do love the Haunts of Monsterville and seeing the creativity of the neighbors. What they come up with...building entire scenes and castles… it’s just incredible. The whole month has so much good energy. It’s an experience. You come to town for any of our events and there is unmistakable energy that sums up what

Decorating Contest is one of the most popular spectacles during this time of year. There are four categories that residents can compete in and, as the years have passed, Callaway mentions that the decorations have become more elaborate every year. The winner from each category receives a golden broomstick and a gift card during a special ceremony. After Haunts of Monsterville, Market Off Centre attracts residents and visitors between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., to support local farmers and vendors. Then, on Oct. 15 and Oct. 16, Merchantville Monster Craft and Fine Art Festival will take place at Centre and Chestnut Streets. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. patrons can observe, adore

crafters and antique dealers throughout the downtown area.

A new potential resident favorite has been added to this year’s festivities with the debut of Haunts of Merchantville Hayrides, which will take place on Oct. 28 and the 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Check out the Haunts of Merchantville Home Decorating Contest entries and vote for your favorite homes. There is a fee to enjoy the hayride however, the price was not available at the time this article was written.

Don’t miss out on this month-long experience in Merchantville. Halloween lovers, make sure to bring your best costume, wallets and pumpkin-flavored taste buds to Monsterville. 

Whether you call it the growth horizon, nostalgia, or rose colored lenses - there’s no comparing the love of selling your hometown! Rooted in history and rich in architecture, charm and character, Merchantville homes present such beautiful features throughout each property, that selling them gives The Erin Lewandowski Team that extra special feeling. Blending personal experiences, memories and current relevance into their showings and open houses, they truly create a magical experience every time.

no wonder Erin decided early on to follow in the footsteps of her mother Theresa Krouse, an absolute ace in the Merchantville real estate market from the late 80s through the early 2000s. Building a team of local talented agents has also been key to ensuring Erin keeps her finger on the pulse of local businesses and landmarks, they so often love to highlight in their listing details. From turn of the century homes to full rehabilitations, it’s important to this team to showcase the best of this town for future generations to preserve!

Thank you to all of the present and past owners for your unwavering support and consistent referrals! As a 4th generation MES alum, it’s such joy to share my love of this town with everyone I have the pleasure of meeting. 5 of my team, have all grown up or currently reside in Merchantville - and it’s quite the experience if you catch us all at an open house together. Stay well!

Erin

BY CHRIS ISAAC

New Jersey natives and those visiting the area recently got to enjoy another year of local talent at the 9th annual Merchantville Music Fest on September 24th. It was a day filled with fun and entertainment, including some great eats from food trucks like Latin Bites, Favoretto Foods and Reds Rolling Restaurant. There was also a car show for attendees to enjoy a look at some tuned up vehicles. And of course, there was the main attraction of the day, the musicians.

This year some of the featured performers included Candy Volcano, Buddy Katz and 16-year-old musician Camille K. who has made an appearance on America’s Got Talent.

As attendees departed at the end of the night, many were already eagerly anticipating the event’s 10th anniversary next year. But what people might not realize is, preparations for the 10th Music Fest will already be starting soon enough. Matt Sutin, one of the co-chairs of the event, explained how much preparation goes into the show, and what has inspired him to take up such an active role in Merchantville.

Sutin’s major responsibility for the show’s success is handling the fundraising, which he explains takes most of the year.

“Starting in late February, early March, I put together an advertising packet and I send it out to local businesses,” he said.

“I usually send an initial email, a month after that I send a follow up, a month after that send a follow up. And I keep working that way until we reach a goal that is sustainable.”

The Sutin’s bought their home in Merchantville in late 2017 but did not move in until early 2018 due to the home being historic and in need of many repairs and renovations.

“We have a 110-year-old home that we bought in, I wouldn’t say terrible shape, I

like to refer to it as a home that was wellloved but not kept up,” said Sutin. “It wasn’t a whole house renovation, but every room was touched. Whether it was paint or flooring, or a bathroom renovation. We gutted the kitchen, walls, ceilings and floors.”

Now, even at home, the Sutin’s still have a lot on their plate, especially with two young children. Sutin says the home still needs a lot more work, but it is at the point now where they can stop to enjoy everything and take on new small projects at their leisure. He finds all the effort of owning a historic home worth it, especially for the fascinating process of seeing how much the previous owners did. He shared that they have even been able to track down some of the prior owners and get in touch with them to discuss the home.

In 2018, upon learning of Music Fest, Sutin knew he wanted to get involved. At the time it was being spear-headed by Ryan Middleton, who allowed Sutin to take part in the 2019 show as a performer. However, Middleton wanted to step down, so Sutin, along with Charlene Chamberlain and Jon Hoffmann stepped up and took charge in 2020. Unfortunately, that lined them up for the challenge of running a show during the height of COVID. Despite both Sutin and Hoffman being very new to the project, Chamberlain had been involved for quite a while already and helped get them on their feet.

“Charlene has been helping with Music Fest for many years in the town,” said Sutin. “And then Jon and I came aboard in 2019, just helping out with Ryan Middleton. And then 2020 came, we did a virtual Music Fest.”

The virtual show was a new experience for everyone, as they could not gather physically due to health restrictions. Their virtual event featured pre-recorded performances from bands and was broadcast via Facebook Live and YouTube. The virtual show also featured a pre-recorded statement from Merchantville’s mayor.

While they were proud of what they were able to accomplish virtually, Sutin and his fellow co-chairs were excited to get back to doing things live and in person last year.

Music Fest has attracted around as many as a thousand attendees, and Sutin loves helping local artists get their names out there.

“We definitely like to support the local bands. People who have either direct ties to Merchantville or nearby towns.” However, he adds that nobody is expected to do this for free. “We pay all our bands too. I know that some local music fests don’t pay bands.

They ask bands to play for exposure or volunteer. We don’t do that. We believe strongly that artists should be paid for their work. So that’s where the majority of our funds go.”

Sutin is very active in the Merchantville community in general, not just with Music Fest. Back in June, Sutin, his wife (who happened to be pregnant at the time), Hoffmann and Chamberlain all helped out to put on the Merchantville Gala, which had a roaring twenties theme this year.

There doesn’t look to be much idle time in Sutin’s future since preparation for the 10th Music Fest will start soon. He acknowledges

how much work the event is for him, Chamberlain and Hoffmann, saying that if even one of them were not involved, major pieces would fall apart. Ultimately, this is a role that Sutin gladly takes on.

“It’s a lot of work and it’s not just a day of work like a lot of other events. We’ll finish the 2022 year, have a meeting, submit for a date for 2023 and start all over again. I like that I can be part of such a great event for the town.”

Photos courtesy Facebook Previous Merchantville Music Fest.

BY MINDY TORAN

As anyone who lives here knows, Merchantville is a small town with a rich history. From its stately Victorian homes to its tree-filled parks and nature trails and a walkable downtown with a variety of shops and eateries, Merchantville is welcoming to residents and visitors all year round.

One of the best ways to get a glimpse of the town’s history is through the two walking tours offered by the Merchantville Historical Society. The self-led tours cover the Cattell Tract Historic District, where the earliest residents of Merchantville settled, as well as The Oaks Historic District, both of which are listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.

The Cattell Tract, which begins at the north end of the borough near the railroad station, was laid out in 1869 by United States Senator Alexander G. Cattell, who also served as a commission merchant and organizer of the Corn Exchange National Bank of Philadelphia. Cattell was the first developer of Merchantville and by 1854, along with his brother, Elijah G. Cattell, and a group of real estate speculators, he acquired the land which was to become the Borough of Merchantville.

Once the Camden and Burlington Railroad broke ground in 1866, the Cattells and other landowners donated much of the land needed to begin building in the borough. The first home built was The Furber House, home of lace importer Edward M. Furber, in 1869. Described as an urban townhouse, the Classic Revival home was one of the first of the stately Victorian homes built in the Cattell Tract.

Fourteen homes, along with the train station, are included on the Cattell Tract walking tour, including The Furber House, the impressive Stick style Centennial House on East Chestnut Avenue, originally owned by vice-counsel to Great Britain George Crump, and the Queen Anne style houses at 100 and 101 East Walnut Avenue designed by architect Isaac Pursell, with picturesque Victorian details.

The Oaks Historic District, which was developed beginning in 1910, served as the gateway for vehicular traffic entering the borough along Wellwood Avenue, which later became Browning Road. This planned neighborhood of upscale, early-twentieth century suburban houses was envisioned by landscape architect George E. Rhedemeyer and developed by the Oaks Realty Company. Many of the homes were designed by architect and long-time Merchantville resident Arnold H. Moses.

The Oaks walking tour includes seven Colonial Revival style homes, two Neoclassical style houses, one Tudor Revival style house and two Italian Renaissance please see HISTORY, page

Revival style homes, including the ornate, two-and-a-half story, threebay home of Rhedemeyer, complete with a swimming pool built midcentury, connected to the house by a masonry garden wall.

The sites chosen for the tour were largely based on the research of Carol A. Benenson, a University of Pennsylvania student who, in 1984, as part of her graduate program in Historic Preservation, put together a thesis on the development, architecture and preservation of Merchantville.

“Carol put together a beautiful masterwork on the history, architecture and story of Merchantville as a suburban, commuter town that developed along the railroad and expanded after the opening of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge linking Camden and Philadelphia,” says Maureen McLoone, president of the Merchantville Historical Society and Chair of the borough’s Historic Preservation Committee.

“In the late 90s, following the designation of the two historic districts being put on the National Register of Historic Places, we asked Carol to help us put together pamphlets describing the properties along the Cattrell Tract, followed by the Oaks District. Long-time residents Jane Homon and Paul Stridick were also involved with the pamphlet project. We thought it would be great to follow up those pamphlets with a tour highlighting some of the historic houses in the borough, all of which are still privately owned and well maintained,” says McLoone who, herself, is an owner of one of the properties.

McLoone and her husband purchased The Centennial House 43 years ago, where she raised her two sons, who also now have residences in the borough. Her son Andrew currently serves on the borough council.

“I always wanted to live in that house,” says McLoone, who lived in a home on Chestnut Avenue before her husband was transferred to Harrisburg for work. “When we came back to town and found out the house was available, we snapped it up. We believe it’s the cream of the crop, extremely ornate with a lot of history behind it.”

Rumor has it that The Centennial House was moved to Merchantville from Philadelphia following the World’s Fair Centennial Exposition of 1876, during which the United States celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“We believe the house was used by the British for staffing and to host people coming to the fair who needed a place to stay,” says McLoone. “During our renovations I found a door jamb with the writing T-E-L at Exhibition Entrance which, if you added the letters H-O, would spell out Hotel at Exhibition Entrance. The house was designed by a hotel keeper and architect named Henry Crump, brother of British vice-counsel George Crump.”

Along with McLoone’s home, the 25 houses included on both walking tours showcase the splendor of the Victorian architecture that attracted so many families to Merchantville to escape the urban landscape of the city. Merchants and their families spent their summers vacationing in the community or settled in the area to be close to the commuter train service with direct access to downtown Philadelphia.

“I’m proud to be a long-time resident

of Merchantville, and to be able to share our great history with people when they take these tours,” says McLoone. “It’s like a blueprint for “It’s a Wonderful Life,” where everyone bands together to support our town and build a ‘Borough Beautiful.’”

Pamphlets highlighting the tours are available at the Borough Hall or the Merchantville Community Center or can be downloaded at merchantvillenj.gov. The Merchantville Historical Society will mark its 150th anniversary in May of 2024 and is actively seeking volunteers to help prepare for this milestone celebration.

Photos courtesy of Jamie Long Previous: Maureen McLoone at her Centennial Home reading a walking tour brochure. Top (L-R): The Oaks walking tour. Emeline G. Bender House, Harvey K. Partridge House, Harold S. Bottomly House

Pumpkin Spice or Apple Cider?

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

PHOTO 1: Christine Melendez and her twins (L-R) Cameron and Chase Melendez prefers pumpkin spice “because I love anything pumpkin!” Also this photo was taken on the twins 1st birthday 9/14/22!

PHOTO 2: Scott Talis, owner of “Play With This”, and his dog, Todd. He prefers “Apple because I don’t like pumpkin.”

PHOTO 3: Luke Summerville prefers pumpkin spice “because the sweetness of the apple cider gets old after the first one, it’s too sweet.”

PHOTO 4: Justin Knosp prefers “Apple because I don’t like pumpkin spice.”

PHOTO 5: Shannon Bristow and her dog Enzo prefers “Apple because I don’t like pumpkin spice”

Merchantville on the Move

It’s all in the details

When it comes to your social calendar, change is … not always good. But sometimes it’s inevitable. In the event of cancelations and postponements, be sure to double check the status of the following events before attending.

OCTOBER

Haunts of Monsterville, all month long! Merchantville residents vie for bragging rights and the Golden Broomstick as they deck out there homes to become the spookiest abode in the Borough.

10/7: Market Off Centre: Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice, 5pm-9pm Witch’s House Spooky Storytime 6pm-7pm. Gather at the Witch’s House, corner of Park Ave and Centre St for spooky stories…will you see the Witch??

10/14: Market Off Centre: Witch and Warlock Walk on the Magical Mile, 5pm-9pm Witch’s House Spooky Storytime 6pm-7pm

10/15 & 16: Merchantville Monster Craft and Fine Art Festival, 10am-5pm, Merchantville Mile and Downtown: Shop more than 100 juried artists and crafters and antique dealers through Downtown Merchantville. Music, kids’ activities and food trucks round out the two day festival.

and

10/21: Market Off Centre: Hocus Pocus Party, 5pm-9pm Witch’s House Spooky Storytime 6pm-7pm

10/21 & 22: Merchantville School Haunted House, 6pm-10pm: Enter if you dare as Merchantville School is transformed into a haunted abode sure to cause a fright! Don’t miss this Merchantville tradition hosted by the MES 8th grade.

10/28: Downtown Business Trick or Treating 3pm-5pm Market Off Centre: Oogie Boogie Bazaar, 5-9pm Witch’s House Spooky Storytime 6pm-7pm

10/28 & 29 Haunts of Merchantville Hayrides, E. Park Ave, 7pm-9pm: take a ride through town and see the Haunts of Merchantville Home Decorating Contest entries! Vote for your favorite…who will win the Golden Broomstick?

10/29: Monsterville Zombie Run 5k, 9am: Dress to impress for the Merchantville Zombie Run. The 5k takes costumed contestants through the tree lined streets of Merchantville. Walkers can join in the fun with a 1 mile fun run/walk along the Merchantville Mile.

Aradia’s Mystery and Magic in Monsterville Street Fair, Centre St, 9am-3pm: The largest collection of mind, body and spirit vendors in the area offering tarot readings, holistic practice, gemstones, crystals and much more.

10/31: TRICK OR TREATING, 3pm-8pm. Merchantville is the leader of Halloween towns! Thousands of trick or treaters

make their way through the Haunts the Monsterville for an epic Halloween night.

Monsterville for an epic Halloween night.

NOVEMBER

11/26: Small Business Saturday, all day, Downtown. Kick off your holiday shopping in Downtown Merchantville! Shop and dine the growing downtown and support local!

DECEMBER

Saturdays and Sundays: Visits with Santa. Stop by Santa’s House on the corner of Park Ave and Centre St. each Saturday and Sunday through Christmas for a special visit with Santa.

12/2: Holiday Parade, Maple Ave and Park Ave, 7pm: Marching bands, floats, mummers and more take to the street to kick off the holidays in Merchantville!

12/10: Breakfast with Santa, 9am, Community Center. Families are invited to enjoy breakfast and meet Santa at this Merchantville tradition. This event is FREE for all and includes breakfast, crafts and a picture with Santa.

12/16: Merchantville Holiday Party, 5pm8pm. It’s a holiday party in downtown Merchantville! Warm up by the fire, enjoy a s’more or two and take care of last minute shopping at your favorite Merchantville businesses! Don’t miss roaming carolers, make and take ornaments and more fun and a visit from Santa!

Send us your calendar listings!

Please include all critical information: Who, what, where, when, and how to register or get tickets (if applicable), as well as a few lines of description. Email your listings to

brought@newspapermediagroup.com.