The grand opening and reception for sponsors of The Waterfront Wonderland of Lights was held recently in the "igloo," the former high speed ferry terminal which has been turned into a magical place, complete with trees and Santa.

Mayor Ralph V. Suozzi welcomed sponsors, and the Glen Cove Arts Council. Poet laureate and Arts Council president Victoria Crosby read her poem, A Dickens' Christmas and welcomed and thanked everyone who had helped to make the event possible. Major sponsor Peter Holden also said a few words, as did Tammy Peters, president of North Pole Productions, the light display company. The event was catered by Sterling Glen of Glen Cove. Wine and delicious hors d'oeuvres were served.

The Glen Cove Arts Council's Waterfront Wonderland of Lights Winter Festival, sponsored by GLY Books and Gifts, will be open until Dec. 30, every Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

There are rides for the children, food, drinks and gifts items available for purchase. This outdoor walk-through light show takes place on the waterfront esplanade at the end of Garvies Point Road in Glen Cove.

CD101.9 smooth jazz radio station will be there every Wednesday.

Wednesdays and Thursdays are POP days - pay one price of $10 for all rides, regularly $3 per ride.

There will also be entertainment, holiday music and much more. Visit the website, which will be updated regularly, for the entertainment schedule. Children under 12 are free with adult ticket purchase. Over 12 years is $10 per person; $8 for seniors 65 and over.

This event will benefit the Glen Cove Arts Council and the Morgan Park Restoration Fund. For further information visit www.glencoveartscouncil.org or call 516 674-3513.

Other sponsors include Cablevision, Anton Community Newspapers and The Boulevard, The Glen Cove Marina, AvalonBay, Livingston Development Corp., Urbitran Group, Glen Isle, Sterling Glen Senior Living, Glen Cove Village Square,

Glen Cove Mayor's Office, Glen Cove Community Development Agency, Glen Cove Fire Department, Glen Cove Auxiliary Police, Glen Cove EMS, Glen Cove Police Department, Glen Cove Public Works Department, Glen Cove Industrial Development Agency, Long Island Press, North Coast Subaru, The Leader, The Gold Coast Gazette, CD101.9, John Bogdanich CPA, Dave Losee, LongIsland.com, enews, KJOY, www.hotwebideas.com, WHPC 90.3fm, Stevenson Printing, Mailboxes Etc, Sal Paolillo, the Marquis at Glen Cove, Digital Printery, Glen Cove Printery and Minuteman Press.