The first time Basking Ridge residents gathered in the center of the town to sing Christmas carols reportedly was 1924 — and the tradition is scheduled to be repeated from 7 to 7:30 p.m. next Saturday, Dec. 24.

Song sheets will be distributed at 6:45 p.m. before the Christmas Eve Community Holiday Sing, said Jim Felter, who has coordinated the caroling for many years.

The public is invited to just show up and join the singing, Felter said. Participants are asked to bring flashlights. The event will be held regardless of the weather, he said.

Brass musicians also can just show up

Local brass players also are invited to just show up to join the band that will lead the Carol Sing, Felter said. Anyone who wants to play that night should meet director Greg Lane at 6 p.m. that night in Westminster Hall in The Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge, 1 East Oak Street, he said.

One change this year, Felter said, is that the band will again be back on the green by the Christmas tree, as it was for the first 50 years of the singalong's history.

More recently, the band had performed on the steps of the Presbyterian Church, he said. However, it was felt that the audience might be better able to hear the music if the band is located on the green, he said.

The Presbyterian Church and Bishop Janes United Methodist Church on South Finley Avenue have both confirmed with him that they have scheduled services to begin immediately following the Christmas caroling, Felter said on Saturday.