Garden City Ushers In Holiday Season

The man in red was spotted on the Village Green Sunday at the Garden City Chamber of Commerce's 62nd annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, where hundreds gathered to usher in the holiday season.

This year's program, once again sponsored by Astoria Bank, featured the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble who performed a medley of holiday music, the Fivestone Band, which also performed many holiday favorites, and the talented dancers from the West End's Broadway Bound Dance Center. The Garden City Volunteer Fire Department graciously provided hot chocolate for the festivities.

Santa, who arrived in style on a Garden City fire truck, assisted Mayor Nicholas Episcopia in the lighting of the Village tree. Also in attendance were Trustees Robert Bolebruch, Richard Silver, Stephen Makrinos, John Delany and Theresa Trouvé. Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony Santino, Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino, Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin and Nassau County Legislator Laura Schaefer also joined the festivities.