Santa Claus and Mayor Brighten Village With Tree Lighting

By Amy Edel

Santa Claus has come to the Village of Garden City. He rode into the Village, whose sky had become grey and bitterly cold, on the bright red Garden City fire truck and suddenly the countless families gathered on the Village Green at the Gazebo felt warm and happy. Santa joined Mayor Tauches on the Gazebo and the two most important figures in Garden City shared the honors of lighting the Village's Christmas tree at the Chamber of Commerce's 39th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Musical performaces by St. Anne's Children's Chorus on the lawn in front of the Gazebo delighted the crowds and everyone joined in the caroling by Tom Wagner and the Village Music Makers with guest singer Mark Barbatsuly. People kept themselves warm during the festivities with hot chocolate generously donated by the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department who also served as Santa's escorts.

Games of football, tag, and "you-can't-catch-me" kept the kids warm and spirited as they awaited the arrival of their beloved Santa. A wooden soldier played with children riding on their parents' shoulders through the crowd. Even the Village's pets were in attendance waiting for the tasty treats from Bagelman, Riesterer's Bake Shoppe, and Jean Marie Patisserie to be passed their way.

This traditional event was a tremendous success thanks to the Chamber of Commerce and their sponsors this year, Astoria Federal Savings and GC Alarm, Mayor Frank Tauches, the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department, St. Anne's Chorus, Tom Wagner and the Village Music Makers, Mark Barbatsuly, and all of the residents who braved the cold to share this holiday event as members of the Garden City family.