Annual Tree Lighting Is December 5

The Manhasset Park District's Annual Tree Lighting, the event which has marked the unofficial start of the holiday season in Manhasset, is scheduled for Friday evening, Dec. 5, starting at 4:15 p.m., according to Commissioner Michael C. Adams. The festivities will be conducted at the Plandome Road Bandstand, situated within the Mary Jane Davies Green on Plandome Road.

As in past years, the afternoon will feature holiday music from students at Manhasset High School and St. Mary's Elementary School. The highlight of the ceremony is the simultaneous lighting of the trees in front of North Hempstead Town Hall and the Manhasset Railroad station. If past history is any guide, the tree lighting will occur at about 5 p.m. with a visit from Santa Claus scheduled for soon thereafter.

The US Marines Reserves are again going to send representatives to the ceremony as part of their 'Toys for Tots' campaign. Those attending the tree lighting are invited to bring new, unwrapped toys as a donation. The gifts will then be distributed by the US Marine Reserves to some of the region's neediest children.