While mentioning things to do in town this holiday season, we would be remiss not to highlight the Camuso Display, currently lit up for the season each night at the Oval. This past weekend, there was an incredible turnout for opening night, followed by a menorah lighting the next day. There is no fee to enter the display.For those who are not familiar with the Camuso Holiday Display (and if you have spent a December in Livingston – or read a recent edition of the Tribune – how could you not be?), the spectacular figures were created by the late Ernest Camuso, a toymaker and machinist by trade, and displayed annually on the front lawn of his Burnet Hill Road home. The display grew larger and more elaborate every year, and served (and still does) as a fundraiser for the Saint Barnabas Burn Unit.When he passed away, the Camuso family was unable to continue his legacy. Then-Council member Steve Santola met with the family and suggested that they donate all of the non-religious figures to the township. As a result, a new tradition was born. Each year, the exhibit expands, but still includes a piece of the Camuso legacy in one scene that recreates the front door of the family’s landmark home.To prepare the display, some of Livingston’s dedicated residents (Camuso’s “elves”) take time out of their busy schedules to create a winter wonderland for all at the Oval. The amount of work that goes into maintaining the 50-plus-year-old figures, providing the electrical connections for the lights and figures, and decorating the scenes is a massive undertaking that takes months of hard work. We all owe a debt of gratitude to these volunteers for bringing joy to our town.Over the years, additional holiday-themed events at the display have been added to the calendar. Still to come this season are a visit from Santa Claus at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday, December 11, sponsored by Livingston UNICO. And the following Saturday, December 18, the Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities will hold an event for people with special needs in their families; it will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the nearby gazebo. Later that night, at 7 p.m., the Livingston Fire Department and First Aid Squad will host a craft activity for children. Santa is also expected to make another appearance and hot chocolate will be provided.So, please, check out the ...
