Massapequa Park Holds Holiday Lighting Ceremony

More than a thousand people packed the streets of Park Boulevard to welcome in the holiday season as the Village of Massapequa Park held its annual Christmas tree and Menorah lighting ceremony on Saturday evening.

Holiday music filled the air as local residents gathered around the Town of Oyster Bay Showmobile, situated next to the Long Island Rail Road Station. With Park Boulevard closed off to vehicle traffic, revelers were free to roam the streets, taking in the lovely sights the extensive yuletide lighting and decorations everywhere they looked.

In an evening surprisingly short on speeches but long on excitement and holiday cheer, Mayor James Altadonna made a brief announcement to those present, urging them to support their local economy this shopping season.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming out tonight...a very wise man once said that you should never get between a crowd and Santa Claus, so I'm going to keep this brief," he said. "Remember to shop locally with your neighbors and your friends during this holiday season, and always make sure to look out for each other."

An exciting dance routine provided by the Massapequa High school's Chiefettes and Cheerleaders served as an introduction to an individual the gathered children were waiting for with breathless anticipation...Santa Claus himself.

"Have all you boys and girls been good this year?" he asked to a thunderous response. "Only 29 more days and I'll be back! And remember...I'm making a list and checking it twice!"

In addition to Jolly old Saint Nick addressing the kids, other highlights of the evening included holiday numbers belted out by the Strolling Carolers and a stirring rendition of the National Anthem sung by Massapequa Park’s own Vikkie Broadhurst, accompanied by Massapequa High School’s American Sign Language students.

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for...the lighting ceremony. First, the Hepworth family - Robin, Andrew, Daniel, and Matthew – had the honor of throwing the switch to light up the Menorah located in the Village Square. Next up was the Christmas tree, and this time the honor fell upon members of the Massapequa Park Senior Center.

JoBeth Simmons was one of many locals who braved the massive crowds to witness the holiday season ushered in.

“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting this many people, or this big of a production,” she said. “But it was all so beautifully done...the Christmas Spirit is alive and well, and my kids are having a blast!”

Doug Graver was also touched by the sense of community present in the evening’s festivities.

“It’s crazy...there are so many people here, and everyone’s really getting into the spirit of the holidays,” he said. “Look up there...you can even see the people up on the [LIRR] train platform enjoying the show as they’re waiting for their train!”