Village Tree Lighting This Sunday

This Sunday, Dec. 3, between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m., Santa will arrive on a Garden City "fire truck sleigh" to assist Mayor Peter Bee in the lighting of the Viillage's three holiday trees. (Photo by John Ellis Kordes)

Get set for the 53rd annual Village Tree Lighting Ceremony this Sunday, December 2, 3:30 p.m., at the Gazebo on the Village Green.

Coordinated by the Garden City Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings, the festivities will iclude sounds of the season by the renowned Village Music Makers ... a choral performance by the award-winning Garden City High School ... a multi-entertainer for the younger set ... cookies donated by Bagleman, Donkin' Donuts, Kings and Riesters Bakery. The Garden City Volunteer Fire Department will provide hot chocolate in conjunction with the Manor Delicatessen. The highlight of the event will be the lighting of the Village Trees by Mayor Peter Bee, assisted by the Jolly Old Elf who will arrive on the Fire Department's giant pumper truck/sleigh.

Additionally, the Garden City Volunteer Firefighters, under the direction of Chief John Casey, will again co-sponsor "Operation Wounded Warrior" in conjunction with area volunteer fire departments. Donations of items will be collected at the Tree Lighting. Among the many needs of our wounded military are sweatshirts and sweatpants, electric razors, men's & womens pajamas, boxer shorts, white ankle socks, athletic shorts, women's sport bras, back packs, and toiletries for men & women. In addition, monetary donations to help purchase IPods, LCD Tv's & addional clothing for the sol-diers and their families, may be sent to: the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department, Operation Wounded Warrior, 347 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY. Please assist the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department in spreading a bit of cheer to our soldiers wounded in combat. For further information, please contact the Volunteer Fire Department at (516) 746-1301.