On a cold, dank and rainy Saturday evening New Hyde Park Village officials and residents gathered to light the Christmas trees on the village lawn and start the official holiday season in the Village of New Hyde Park.

Prior to the tree lighting, however, the children in the village were treated to a holiday show at Marcus Christ Hall featuring Janice Bruckner, her guitar and her puppets. The show was arranged by Cultural Commissioner Florence Lisanti and her committee. They were helped by the New Hyde Park North Lions Club who provided all the children with chocolate lollipops made by the club members.

Bruckner sang holiday songs from all over the world and the children were able to interact with the puppets and with various musical instruments. They all enjoyed the show, joined in with the singing and especially had lots of fun when they were called to help out with the entertainment and the puppets. Even the parents and "others" "got into the act" as they were called on to be a puppet or two!

When it was time the children and parents went out on the lawn to light the trees. Once out there, in the rain and cold, the New Hyde Park Memorial Choir and band took over and performed for the village residents until the lights were lit and beyond. It was just unfortunate, after having a drought for weeks that the rains had to come just at this time. However, it didn't stop the spirit and everyone sang along with the very wet and cold choir members.