With only one tree lighting a year it’s important to make it a memorable one.
The Village of New Hyde Park held their annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on December 3 at the village hall, bringing residents across all age groups together to brave the Saturday cold.
“A great start to the holiday season,” village trustee Lawrence Montreuil said. “It brings folks together. Between the little kids, grandparents and high school students you get everyone coming out.”
The day started in Marcus Christ Hall with entertainment provided by The Magic of Amore for young childrenthat also got some of the adults into the act. Kathy Richards from Little Treasures Preschool handed out little snowmen and reindeer for the children. Cookies and hot coffee were served during the show and the following performances.
New Hyde Park Memorial High School lent their Chambers Singers, led by Bob Mckinnon and a small selection of band members led by Noel Tarantola, to the ceremony. Both groups performed classic Christmas songs. The Chamber Singers performed “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Deck The Halls,” and “Let It Snow” while alternating with the band who played “Glory To The King,” “Joy To The World” and “Silent Night.”
The chamber singers finished with a dedication to the kids and sang “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” a fitting end as the group went outside and moments later flashing lights and sirens were heard as Saint Nick arrived on New Hyde Park Fire Department’s Enterprise engine.
Montreuil and deputy mayor Robert Lofaro helped Father Christmas flip the switch on the tree iluminating the spruce and thanking the village business supportersfor making the night possible as residents crowded around the tree for another hour, braving the cold to meet Santa.
