Village Hall Tree Lit for Holiday Season

The evergreen tree in front of New Hyde Park Village Hall was illuminated Saturday night, heralding the start of the holiday season.

That jolly gentleman from the North Pole stopped by to greet the children who gathered for a night of viewing holiday lights along with entertainment and treats inside Marcus Christ Hall. 

The festivities began with "The Magic of Amore" a show sponsored by State Bank of Long Island which was filled with wonder and amazement. Many of the children became part of the show as they assisted the magician "The Great Bellini" John Bellon Jr. Thirty teens from the Chamber Singers, led by director Robert McKinnon, sang a selection of favorite carols including "Jingle Bells", "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World". Members of the New Hyde Park High School band also performed led by Noel Monat.

Guests were offered an assortment of sweets and beverages. Mayor Dan Petruccio, Deputy Mayor Bob Lofaro, the trustees, cultural commissioner Lisa Miranda, Legislator Richard Nicolello and Assemb.Tom McKevitt were on hand to greet everyone.

Each child went home with a gift of a Disney paint set  donated by Linda Varrone and Kathy Richards directors of the Little Treasures PreSchool.

Rich Stein, a New Hyde Park fire commissioner, has been portraying Santa Claus for the past 30 years.