Garden City Ushers in the Holiday Season

Santa was spotted on the Village Green Dec. 6 as the Garden City Chamber of Commerce held its 61st annual village tree lighting ceremony.

His arrival, via Garden City firetruck, officially ushered in the 2015 Holiday Season in Garden City as hundreds gathered to catch a glimpse of the man in red.

Also ushering in this year’s Holiday Season in the Village was a menorah lighting to celebrate the Festival of Lights, which officially began at sunset on Dec. 6.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I want to thank everyone for their efforts in making this day so special for us all to enjoy,” Mayor Nicholas Episcopia said.

This year’s program was once again sponsored by Astoria Bank. The Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Amanda Conte, performed a medley of holiday music. Talented dancers from the West End’s Broadway Bound Dance Center added to the festivities with several performances.

Also featured was contemporary rock band Fivestone, well known for its performances at this past spring’s Belmont Festival and the summer Friday Night Promenades. They too performed special renditions of familiar holiday tunes.

As always, Kingsley Bear, King’s Supermarket mascot, was on hand to pose with the little ones and the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department delivered Santa and offered hot chocolate for all.

“Special thanks to the Village employees who decorate the Village each year for the holiday season, and the Garden City Fire Department, Garden City Police Department and Special Police for their assistance during the event,” Dennis Donnelly, executive director of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, said.