It’s not quite Christmas in July, but a handful of Harrison residents are already looking ahead to that most wonderful time of the year.

On Monday, under hot sun and in muggy air, members of the township’s Recreation Board and others cleaned up Christmas wreaths that will be hung on light poles at Heights Plaza in December.

Longtime residents will remember the large wreaths, and would know they have not been seen at the plaza for many years. Some say it’s been 10 years; some say 15 or 20.

“These are irreplaceable,” township Commissioner Chuck Dizard said. “We could never afford to replace these. They’re solid. You couldn’t even buy these anymore.”

The 28 wreaths were brought out of storage at the former Riverview school to be cleaned and have their bows repainted. Some of the bows had faded so much they looked more orange than red.

Their wiring was being checked and bulbs replaced.

Dizard said officials got permission from the plaza’s management to hang the wreaths up at the plaza, where the township’s Christmas festivities will be held this year on Dec. 7.

A parade will start at 4 p.m. that day, heading down Broadview Boulevard and ending in the plaza.

The festival is being moved to the plaza from Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Last year’s festival was canceled because of rain.

At the plaza, all festivities will be held under a tent in the parking lot, so it will go on rain or shine, Dizard said. The festivities will include music, visits with Santa, children’s activities, hot chocolate and food trucks.

The tree will remain at Blessed Sacrament, Dizard said.

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