Organizers Gear Up For Village Tree Lighting

Event organizers (L-R) are: Althea Robinson, Chamber executive director; Roger Eltringham, president, Patricia Donnelly, Garden City Branch Manager, Astoria Federal Savings; George L. Engelke, Jr., Chairman and CEO; Joseph Arevalo, VP/Regional Manager; Chief James Mehan, Garden City Fire Department; and Brian Ridgway, Village Clerk.

Event organizers are gearing up for Santa Claus' return to Garden City, Sunday, December 7 at 3:30 p.m. at the Village Gazebo. The 53rd annual event is coordinated by the Garden City Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Village forces and sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings. The bank notes that they are proud to support this traditional event for the 14th consecutive year and that they will have plenty of giveaways for the children.

Santa will arrive on a Garden City fire truck-turned-sleigh to assist Mayor Peter Bee in the lighting of the three Village trees - one at the Village Gazebo, one in front of Village Hall, and the third at the mall at Franklin and Stewart Avenues.

For the 31st year, the renowned Village Music Makers big band directed by Tom Wagner will ring in the sounds of the season, and holiday choral music will be performed by the award-winning Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble directed by Robert Ludwig.

An entertainer will interact with the younger set and the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department will provide hot chocolate. Bagelman, Dunkin' Donuts, Kings Supermarket and Riesterer's Bake Shop will graciously provide holiday cookies.

Many hands are at work to make this a most happy and meaningful event. The Chamber especially acknowledges Astoria Federal Savings as well as the efforts of the Garden City Fire, Police and Recreation Departments, along with the Village forces who decorate Garden City's business districts. For more information regarding the event, call the Chamber at 746-7724, Ext. 101 or visit www.GardenCityChamber.org.