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Glen Cove Shows Its Holiday Cheer at Winter Festival
Residents enjoy carriage rides and other festivities, as well as the annual tree lighting, in downtown Glen Cove on Saturday.
To kick-off the holiday season, the hosted the annual in Village Square Saturday, where residents could enjoy a number of festivities.
There were horse carriage rides, carols playing over the loud speaker, free hot chocolate and a photo opportunity with Santa for the children.
“I really enjoy the music, and my kids love seeing Santa,” said resident Chimere Thompson, who has been coming to the festival with her two daughters for four years. “A lot of parents don't have the opportunity or time to bring their kids to the mall to see Santa, or to [Rockefeller Center] to see the tree. The festival gives us more access.”
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Some learned of the event through flyers sent home from school, others from reading about it on banners posted throughout the city. However, one patron found out from someone close to him.
“My wife was the one who told me about it,” said resident Tom Decker, who brought his three small children to take pictures with Santa. “I enjoy seeing my neighbors, and the kids are having fun.”
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Sponsored by Penn Scion, the festival featured other events, like a performance from Glen Dance Studio's “Ginger Snaps,” a musical number from student Sabrina Ali, Christmas Carols by third grade Brownies and the high school band's rendition of “Let It Snow.”
After the community candle lighting ceremony and National Anthem (also sung by Sabrina Ali), took to the microphone.
“It’s so nice when we come together as a community in the Village Square,” he said. “The most important things we have are our families, our neighbors and our neighborhoods.”
Other local officials participated, such as Rev. Elisabeth Simpson of the , who led the community in prayer.
continued their yearly tradition of lighting the tree, following a group countdown.
The night closed out with a huge crowd pleaser: Santa riding in on a fire truck.
“This is my first time coming here,” said resident Maria Schettini, who enjoyed everything from the horse rides to the finale. “I would love to come back next year.”
