This year's Holidays in Oyster Bay parade was a real "hometown" event. Because of the defeat of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School budget and being on contingency the school district is not allowed to participate in any events outside the school. As a result the Oyster Bay Community Band and the Chamber Singers were not there to entertain the audience. Instead the local churches responded and created a combined choir of children from Christ Church, First Presbyterian and St. Dominic's. They sang old favorites a capella and the audience was asked to join in the singing. It made for a wonderful hometown Christmas for the community.

Marie Knight, president of the Oyster Bay Civic Association had invited elected officials to march in the parade. Assemblyman Chuck Lavine was there without a coat. "I grew up in northern Michigan. Unless it's 4 degrees below zero it's not cold," he said, as he joined the parade route from the Atlantic Steamer firehouse to the Derby-Hall bandstand.

Ms. Knight rode to the event with a group of Scouts in the horse-pulled wagon provided for by the Main Street Association. As the white horse clip-clopped down East Main Street and Audrey Avenue the children sang Jingle Bells and waved to the crowd.

This year again, Rich Cieciuch was the master of ceremonies, a job he does very well. He introduced the dignitaries including Assemblyman Rob Walker, Town Councilman Anthony Macagnone, Councilwoman Rose Marie Walker, Receiver of Taxes James Stefanich and Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs.

Everyone said the Pledge of Allegiance while looking at the flag guard provided by the American Legion members. Mr. Cieciuch introduced Monsignor John Alesandro who gave the opening prayer, asking for peace on Earth and Christmas peace and joy for our troops.

Mr. Cieciuch thanked the organization that created Holidays in Oyster Bay, the Oyster Bay Civic Association, the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Association, as well as the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company and the Oyster Bay Fire Company No. 1 whose red and white trucks riding in the parade made for a memorable event. Mr. Cieciuch invited everyone to go to the Atlantic Steamer firehouse after the ceremony for refreshments provided by Bob Liebold of Gooseberry Grove.

Marie Knight, president of the Oyster Bay Civic Association who arranged many of the details involved in the festivities, wanted to give special recognition to Charlene Niznik. "She cut the red tape for us. We didn't have a parade permit and she was the one who arranged for it at town hall, so please clap for Charlene Niznik," said Ms. Knight. Ms. Niznik also worked with general services to put the lights on the tree, she added.

Mr. Cieciuch thanked Monsignor Alesandro of St. Dominic's, Rev. Peter Casparian of Christ Church and Rev. Jeffrey Prey of the First Presbyterian Church for sending their young people to the bandstand to sing in the combined choir. The Rev. Prey provided the songbooks for the young people whose first song was Silent Night.

The audience had a special treat in store, said Mr. Cieciuch as Mr. Edward Verlander recited The Night Before Christmas to the children. It was a great performance and Mr. Cieciuch said, "Ed you just signed on for next year!" Then the young people sang Deck the Halls, as the audience joined in.

Mr. Cieciuch invited everyone to the lighting of the menorah at the Derby-Hall bandstand which will take place on Monday, Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m. under the direction of Rabbi Marvin Demant. [Ms. Knight arranged for Eileen of Bagel Boss to serve hot chocolate, latkes and donuts at the Hanukkah table on Dec. 19.]

Mr. Cieciuch thanked Tim Wright for lending his sound system to the event. Mr. Cieciuch announced the arrival of Santa Claus (Marty Green) and Mrs. Santa Claus (Cathy Sinowitz) who together, with the help of John Specce lighted the Christmas tree on the triangle.

As the ceremony ended Rita Davantzis said, "It was very cute: very hometown." Mr. Cieciuch agreed it was a hometown Christmas. "That's what I thought," he said. "And it's just cold enough. There were a few snow flurries earlier. Last year the cold was brutal. This is a special occasion for the village people. It's the small things like this that brings people together, especially children. (I have 10 grandchildren.) I love to see how the community groups worked together to create the event and the cooperation between all the churches is terrific. We have a lot to be grateful for in this town. Anything that builds a sense of community, especially at this time of year, is wonderful. Especially when we can bury our differences." Councilwoman Elect Beth Faughnan said, "It's a wonderful way to start the Christmas season."

Bev Zembko went with the singers to their next stop. They were headed to Oyster Bay Manor to bring holiday cheer to the senior residents at the assisted living facility. They were spreading the joy of the holiday season throughout the hamlet. The Atlantic Steamer Fire Co. did their part too, as they drove the sled with Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus throughout the streets of the hamlet.