Santa will arrive in Garden City this Sunday(Photo by John Ellis Kordes)

Once again, the Village Gazebo will become the setting for the 50th annual Village Tree Lighting Ceremony, coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings.

This Sunday, December 5th, between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m., Santa will arrive on a Garden City fire truck to assist Mayor Barbara Miller in the lighting of the Village’s three holiday trees - at the Gazebo, in front of Village Hall, and at the mall on Franklin and Stewart Avenues. Once again, the Village Music Makers will ring in the sounds of the season and holiday choral music will be performed by the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Robert Ludwig.

A multi entertainer will perform and Kingsley Bear (courtesy of Kings Supermarket) will be on hand with goodies for the young ones. Hot chocolate will be served by the Garden City Fire Department in conjunction with Hoffman’s Caterers and the Manor Delicatessen. There will be holiday cookies, courtesy of Bagelman, Reisterer’s Bake Shop and Gift Baskets Delights. Astoria Federal will have coloring books and crayons for the little ones.

Many hands are at work to make this a meaningful event. The Chamber especially acknowledges Astoria Federal Savings Bank and the Garden City Fire, Police and Recreation Departments, along with Village forces that decorate the Village’s business districts.

Stewart Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic between Franklin and Hilton Avenues from 3-4:45 p.m. There will not be a rain date for this event, but the trees will be lit rain or shine.