"Baby, it's cold outside," exclaimed Msgr. Charles Nosser to those who braved the freezing temperatures Dec. 12 at the Village of Floral Park's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony held at Memorial Park.

Sponsored by the Junior Woman's Club, the festivities included performances by the Floral Park Memorial Band carolers, under the direction of Justin Lucas, and the Our Lady of Victory chorus, led by Jean Brophy, with the help of Marilyn Brennan on keyboard.

The Floral Park Memorial Band carolers donned Santa hats and shiny instruments as they played such favorites as The First Noel and Deck the Halls while encouraging the crowd to sing along. Following the band, Msgr. Nosser reminded the crowd of the spirit of Christmas as he encouraged one and all "to keep looking up and try to bring peace and goodness to everyone you meet in the world."

Mayor Ann Corbett had the honor of lighting the Christmas tree with a little help from the youngest members of the crowd as they counted down the final 10 seconds of waiting after a long week of postponement due to the significant snowfall the week before. The event was originally scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5.

Mayor Corbett thanked the sponsors as the Christmas tree was lit. "This tree lighting started 30 years ago," she said, "and the Junior Woman's Club has kept it going."

After the tree was lit, children of Our Lady of Victory chorus took to the stage, singing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Silent Night, and I'm Getting Nuttin' for Christmas. They delighted old and young alike with their angelic voices and songs and made way for the arrival of the man and woman of the hour, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

The Christmas favorite, Here Comes Santa Claus, welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus into Memorial Park as they arrived on their ruby red fire engine provided by Active Engine Company of the Floral Park Fire Department. Candy canes were distributed by the man in red to all who attended, signifying the grand finale of the event and the beginning of the Christmas season for Floral Park.