Save the lights

For 15 years Thomas and Kris Apruzzi have been putting on a Christmas Light display which has become a tradition not only for their family, but for many families in Old Bridge and neighboring towns.  Residents will tell you that they were brought to the Apruzzi house as kids and now bring their own kids to witness the amazing display. The Apruzzi family is also very involved with “Homes For Our Troops” - a charitable organization know for helping our military veterans rebuild their lives.  Every year the Apruzzi family makes a substantial donation to the organization thanks to all the donations collected during the shows. 

The TA Sprinkler Light show became world famous in 2014 when the Apruzzi family was selected to compete in the ABC Great Christmas Light Fight (that continues to air on ABC network television).  2017 was a transformational year for the TA Sprinkler Light show with all new props and animation, so good that the family was asked to once again compete on the ABC Great Christmas Light fight for the 2019 season.  The Apruzzi family respectfully declined out of consideration for their neighbors as they already attract a large amount of foot traffic each night.  It is the foot traffic that has stirred up some of the scrooges which have collaborated with local government officials behind closed doors in an attempt to shut down the show.  

On November 19, the Apruzzi family, along with about 100 other local residents, met with city council on approval to proceed with the traditional light display that so many have come to enjoy over the years. They received a unanimous vote to proceed, WITHOUT any stipulations.   As the holiday week progressed, a few influential residents were able to persuade the Mayor and Chief of police to set unrealistic monetary stipulations on the family.  Thomas and Kristine  Apruzzi were asked to meet with the Mayor and Chief of police on Monday November 26th at 5:30 pm to discuss what the Apruzzi’s thought were some last minute details for safety, logistics, etc…  This was not the case.  The Mayor and Chief of police informed Tom and Kris that they would need to pay the township police department $2,000 per night for police coverage, as opposed to using the auxiliary police group they used for the last several years.  Furthermore, they will be required to shuttle folks in from the local school, at a cost of about $1,000 per night. 

The TA Sprinkler Light show is scheduled to kick off Saturday December 1st.  The Apruzzi family is so passionate about sharing their light show and dedicated to continuing the annual traditions for their neighbors as well as Homes For Our Troops, that Thomas is determined to fund the first couple nights out of his own pocket.  Please help Tom and Kris continue this holiday tradition this year! Any and all donations are greatly appreciated as well as helping us share this message. All donations will be forwarded to the Apruzzi family to settle any township fines they may occur. In the event that the township does not require security services fees, all proceeds will be forward to “Homes for our Troops”. Thank you all again for your generous support on the matter!