Planners for Garden City’s 55th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony include (L-R): Inspector Kenneth Jackson, Garden City Police Department; Roger Eltringham, president, Chamber of Commerce; Patti Donnelly, Manager, Astoria Federal Savings; Astoria’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George L. Engelki,Jr.; Garden City Mayor Robert Rothschild; Althea Robinson, Chamber Executive Director; Kevin Ocker, Director of Recreation & Cultural Affairs, Village of Garden City; Brian Ridgway, Village Clerk; and Bill Graham, Chief, Garden City Fire Department. Chamber and Village officials are planning for the return of Santa Claus to Garden City on Sunday, December 6 at 3:30 p.m. at the Village Gazebo. This 55th annual event is coordinated y the Garden City Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Village forces and is sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings. The bank notes that they are proud to support this traditional community event for the 15th consecutive year, and that they will have plenty of giveaways for the children.

As in past years, Santa will arrive on a Garden City fire truck-turned-sleigh to assist Mayor Robert Rothschild 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. Village Trustees are invited to join Mayor Rothschild at the Gazebo.

Ringing in the sounds of the season will be the award-winning Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble directed by Robert Ludwig. This year, an added feature will be the “Scarlet Fever” local rock band performing holiday tunes. Members include Evan Heinze lead guitarist; Andrew LeCoche, alternate for the New York All-State Jazz Ensemble and selected as guitarist for MYSBDA State Honor Jazz Ensemble on bass guitar; and Matt O’Connor on drums. As always, “Kingsley Bear” from King’s Supermarket will be on hand to pose with the little ones.

The Garden City Volunteer Fire Department will provide hot chocolate for spectators. Bagelman, the new Cupcake Corner, Dunkin’Donuts, Kings Supermarket and Reisterer’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 recognizes Astoria Federal Savings as well as the efforts of the Garden City Fire, Police, Recreation, and Department of Public Works whose forces decorate Garden City’s business districts for the Holiday Season. Included as part of the Chamber’s Holiday Program is also the judging of Holiday shop windows on Franklin Avenue, Seventh Street and New Hyde Park Road on Thursday, December 10. For more information, please call the Chamber at 746-7724, Ext. 101; or visit www.GardenCityChamber.org.