Snowflakes fell briefly, the wind calmed, Christmas music filled the air at the Mary Jane Davies Green Friday, Dec. 7 as hundreds of spirited residents arrived at the green for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Children and parents alike downed their share of hot chocolate enjoying camaraderie, seasonal music, poster awards, tree lighting and anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival. This year there were more participants than in recent memory and the gazebo was spectacularly aglitter.

Patricia Roberts, park commissioner, exclaimed, "This was one of our best, everything went off on time, dignitaries showed up on time and spoke beautifully-this was a blessed Christmas tree lighting."

Before darkness arrived and the crowds were still arriving, visible on the green was the Nativity display that was provided through an anonymous donation in the memory of all those from the community who perished on Sept. 11, 2001 and in the memory of Sergeant James J. Regan, local hero, who died in February in Iraq. It is being maintained by the Father William A. Daly Knights of Columbus Council No. 2122 of Manhasset/Great Neck. To the right of the Nativity stands a grand Menorah placed there on Dec. 4 by Chabad of Port Washington following their "main event" in Port Washington.

This year's tree lighting event was sponsored by the Manhasset Park District in partnership with the Town of North Hempstead, Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, Americana Manhasset, Bee Ready Fishbein Hatter & Donovan LLP, Gourmet Bagels and Deli, Laffey Associates and Urology Associates.

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance under the direction of Anthony Buzzita, commander, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, followed by a brief blessing given by Rev. Lorie Burgess, Congregational Church of Manhasset. Then, gathered around the bandstand, all delighted in the seasonal selections played by the Manhasset High School Brass Choir, directed by Randy Knudsen. Programs for the event were generously printed by Manhasset Minuteman Press, Creative Expressions. The program fittingly showcased the gazebo bedecked with wreaths and garlands, artwork of Eileen Bachor.

Jon Kaiman, town supervisor, briefly addressed the crowd, wishing all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah, then a large turnout of local officials and park commissioners were introduced.

Nancy Morris, State Farm Insurance, introduced the poster award winners from kindergarten through sixth grade. Each grade was called to the bandstand, mounted a three-tiered riser and ceremoniously received a first, second or third place medal. The grand prize winner was Elizabeth Boyle, a fourth-grader at St. Mary's Elementary School, whose art teacher is Robin Merante. The 2007 Poster Contest Winners, in the order of first, second and third were:

Pre-School Winner:

Lauren Yadvish, Congregational Church Nursery School

Kindergarten:

1. TJ Roszko, St Mary's

2. Nicole Spina, Munsey Park

3. Jake Cizmarik, Munsey Park

First Grade:

1. Alice Cooney, Munsey Park

2. Casey Roszko, Shelter Rock

3. Emma Brady, Munsey Park

Second Grade:

1. Jillian Broderick, St. Mary's

2. Katherine Miller, Shelter Rock

3. Martin Clark, Jr., Shelter Rock

Third Grade:

1. Daniel Oppo, Munsey Park

2. Melissa Cooney, Munsey Park

3. Raymond Huffman, Munsey Park

Fourth Grade:

1. Elizabeth Boyle, St. Mary's

2. Katherine Coccarelli, St. Mary's

3. Samantha McCormick, Shelter Rock

Fifth Grade:

1. Francesca Sostar, Shelter Rock and Isabella Salas-Allende, St. Mary's

2. Thomas Henry, St. Mary's and Kate Wyszomierski, Shelter Rock

3. Victoria Broderick, St. Mary's and Kimberly Minier, St. Mary's

Sixth Grade:

1. Kelley Ann Doherty, Munsey Park

2. Caitlin Gleason and Christina Ottiziani, Munsey Park

3. Rhiannon Catalano, Shelter Rock

Two trees were lit almost simultaneously-the large tree in front of Town Hall and the evergreen to the left of the bandstand. The tree's lights were strung by the park district then decorated by girl scouts, as is the tradition.

Santa arrived atop a bright shinny red Manhasset-Lakeville fire truck to the delighted squeals of hundreds of children.

The tree lighting ceremony is one of the best-attended and most cherished traditions in town. Everyone gathers on the green for what has become the kickoff to the holiday season - and a reminder to all to "Shop Manhasset."