Massapeaua Ushers in the Yuletide Season with Annual Tree Lighting

by Christopher Boyle

Massapeauans gathered in cheer and goodwill to welcome in the yuletide season at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Klestinec Park this past Saturday night.

A gala event that saw the section of North Broadway located in front of the park closed off to traffic to accommodate the Town of Oyster Bay’s Showmobile, dancers, and even the arrival of Santa Claus himself (shuttled courtesy of the Massapequa Fire Department), the Holiday Lighting is an important date of the Chamber’s busy calendar each and every year, according to President Jamie E. Bogenshutz.

“Traditionally, we’ve been doing the tree lighting for over 20 years,” she said. We used to do it by the Massapequa Post Office, but it was a much smaller version of the event, but about several years ago, we got together with the Town of Oyster Bay and came up with this creation…it was a big hit, and we’ve been holding it at Klestinec Park ever since.”

To fend off the frosty chill in the evening air, free hot chocolate was provided. After the national anthem was sung, jolly old Saint Nick himself finally arrived on the scene to the rabid delight the gathered kids; he took a seat on a chair in Klestinec Park’s gazebo and, one at a time, heard the secret present wishes from a long, long line of very excited children.

After the lighting, the audience sat back and enjoyed entertainment in the from of dancers from local dance schools Step Above and South Shore, as well as a choir from Grace Day School.

Local resident Marge Simmons said that the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce’s lighting ceremony is an annual tradition for her and her two children.

“I always like to schedule our time around this great event every year…the Chamber always does a lovely job,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way to kick off the holidays, and of course, the kids are always happy to tell Santa all of the stuff they want for Christmas!”

Lois Munch took her granddaughter to experience her first holiday tree lighting, and of course, her first meeting with Santa as well.

“She’s been bouncing off the walls to meet Santa,” she said. “The park here always looks so nice when it’d done up for the holidays…it’s nice to have some yuletide cheer right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Broadway.”

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce is an organization whose goal is to help local businesses grow, prosper, and develop, as well as getting involved with the community in general with events such as food and toy drives.