The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce held its annual holiday parade this past Saturday, kicking off the holiday season in Farmingdale. The beautiful fall day brought out the largest turnout in the 12-year history of the parade. I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce for organizing and coordinating this wonderful event. Special thanks also go out to Pete Yovine (State Bank), the Chamber President for championing this parade each year. His hard work certainly paid off. To see all the smiling children, hear the Farmingdale High School band playing holiday songs and witness Santa (a.k.a. Dr. Walter Preistley) arriving on the fire truck was a testament to his and the chambers' Board of Directors hard work. I want to compliment all the Brownie and Girl Scout Troops for their beautiful and creative costumes that they made and wore in the parade. Many of the marchers provided extra entertainment along the parade route, singing their own holiday songs. It's these types of events that make me very proud to be mayor of our fair village. To have all our children, no matter what holiday they celebrate, marching side by side, singing, laughing and having a grand 'ole time is what our community is all about. It's also about our local business owners and business members who make up the chamber. They devote countless hours working to improve our community and promote business (they are also responsible for the beautiful candy cane lights that are now on many poles on Hempstead Turnpike and Route 109. Please remember to patronize them for your holiday shopping, dining and other business services you might need. I have to also thank the Farmingdale Fire Department; what's a parade without fire trucks! Also thanks go out to the Nassau County Police 8th Precinct for supplying the sector cars for the parade route and the auxiliary police for providing the added coverage that enables us to hold these and other parades; without them we could not assure the safety of the marchers. Another Farmingdale tradition will take place on Wednesday Nov. 30 when the Holiday Tree will once again be lighted. Please come out to the Village Green at 6 p.m. to share in the festivities and take in some unique Farmingdale cheer.