Santa Claus is polishing up his boots in readiness for his annual excursion to Garden City by way of the Chamber of Commerce's 47th annual tree lighting Sunday, Dec. 2 at the village gazebo. Festivities will begin at 3:30 p.m.

As has become tradition, the 19-piece village Music Makers big band, featuring Tom Wagner, director, and vocalists Mark Barbatsuly of Barbatsuly Furs and Alexa Grant, will provide holiday music. Also performing and back by popular demand is the Garden City High School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Robert Ludwig, director of vocal music. Also traditional is the arrival of Santa Claus on a Garden City fire truck "sleigh" to the delight of area youngsters.

"We are thrilled, as always, to have this wonderful 19-piece big band once again perform their repertoire of holiday melodies, along with Garden City High School's Vocal Jazz Ensemble," Althea Robinson, executive director of the chamber, said.

Santa will assist Mayor Lewis in the lighting of the village trees - one near the gazebo, one near Village Hall and the third on the Village Mall on Franklin and Stewart Avenues. These trees will remain lighted from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. throughout the holiday season.

Back again also by popular demand will be a stilt walker who will perform and interact with the children. Hot chocolate will be provided through the courtesy of the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department and Hoffman's Delicatessen. As has also become tradition, holiday cookies, graciously donated by Bagelman of Garden City, Jean Marie Patisserie and Riesterer's Bakery, will also be on hand. Astoria Federal Savings will once again sponsor this gala community event, coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce. There will not be a rain/snow date.