On Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Garden City Gazebo (351 Stewart Ave.), that something took the form of a Christmas tree lighting. From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., dozens convened on the gazebo lawn to ring in the holiday season with friends and family. The event, courtesy of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, featured performances by FiveStone Band and the high school’s vocal jazz ensemble. It also commemorated the 150th anniversary of Alexander Turney Stewart’s land purchase and the 100th anniversary of Garden City’s community agreement.
“It was definitely worth coming down here,” local college student Robert Charke said, bashfully admitting to his girlfriend that he didn’t mind missing the end of the 1 o’clock slate of NFL games. “Seeing how much the young kids love really anything Christmas-themed, it makes you want to be their age again.”
Charke was far from the only one waxing nostalgic: many professed that their fondest holiday season memories came from childhood. In that sense, embracing the holiday spirit goes hand in hand with a return to such a time, to something intrinsic in them that never needed a name. As for the kids—just be kids. With holiday tunes blaring and green grass aplenty, that was easy.
“I’m all about manifesting reality,” village resident Brian Giarraputo said. “When you kick back and relax, you ‘real’ things up. Just like we’re doing now, just being on a lawn. There’s a time and a place to be angry, lord knows I’ve had many of those. But when you’re around stuff like this, feeling at ease, you can’t help but attract more of it.”
The tree was lit at 4:30 p.m. after a brief countdown, and all were able to enjoy its splendor. Honking firetrucks parked along Stewart Avenue to top off the celebration in Santa-hatted style, and Garden City Police ensured everyone remained safe as the ceremony closed and daylight dimmed.
“The Garden City Village Christmas Tree Lighting is a tradition that members of our community of all ages have looked forward to each year for decades,” Mayor Theresa Trouvé said. “The Christmas carols, the hot chocolate, our High school vocal jazz ensemble and the majestic Christmas tree are delightful, but nothing compares to the feeling of peace on earth and good will to all that envelopes us during this simple ceremony. It fills our hearts and renews our faith during this Christmas season and into the New Year.”
