Hundreds joined in the holiday spirit as they gathered for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Broad Channel on Sunday, Dec. 6. Hosted by the Broad Channel Athletic Club, they came out to the BCAC Memorial Field to enjoy hot chocolate and holiday music. Excited children played on the field and the community built playground as parents, families and neighbors mixed and mingled on the mild evening.
Early in the proceedings there were remarks and greetings from Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder and Councilman Eric Ulrich.
The crowd then enjoyed spirited singing performances from the Broad Channel Girl Scouts and the PS 47 Chorus. Thomasina Dance Company performed a high energy set of dance routines. When, due to a technical difficulty, their music stopped suddenly, the young dancers carried on without missing a step.
With flashing lights and sirens, Santa Claus arrived in style by fire engine, courtesy of the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department.
Photos by Dan GuarinoSanta joined some very special guests on the BCAC clubhouse balcony for the lighting of the tree. These included Dan Mundy Sr. of the Broad Channel Civic Association, Rob Pisani of All-American Channel Market, Lisena Landscaping owner Fred Lisena, BCAC President Jim Mangan, the BCVFD’s Dan McIntyre and Rich Bogart, Grassy Point Lounge owner John McCambridge, and Broad Channel resident Debbie O’Connor and daughter, Ana. Debbie and her three daughters have collected hundreds of Christmas toys for young cancer patients at the Cohen Children’s Medical Center and this year also, Ronald McDonald House. Seventy-five new gifts were donated at the event.
After joining in on a countdown, the crowd greeted the lighting of the tree with cheers and applause. Afterward, children lined up for photos with Santa on the first floor of the clubhouse. Each received a small toy.
The event was sponsored by Channel Market, which provided the refreshments, Lisena Landscaping which donated the Christmas tree, the Broad Channel VFD and the BCAC.
Organizers noted the event was quite a success. “It was a really great turnout!” Mangan commente
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