Hundreds and hundreds of people were on hand Saturday evening, November 25th, to join in the festivities as the Village of Massapequa Park ushered in the 2023 holiday season with their annual Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting ceremony, serving as a bright shining ray of light amid the difficulties many in our nation are going through currently, reminding all in attendance that better things are always right around the corner.
Before the lighting ceremony began, Massapequa Park mayor Daniel M. Pearl addressed those in attendance, welcoming them on behalf of the Village.
“I know everyone looks forward to tonight each and every year as our village is transformed into a winter wonderland. Many of you have come to this tree and Menorah lighting in years past as children, and now you are passing on this tradition to your children and your family,” he said. “There is something special about this night as we come together as a community to welcome in the holidays, and tonight we are all family.”
The event saw Park Boulevard closed to motor vehicle traffic, with the street magically transformed into an enticing holiday landscape with bright festive lights strung all about and miniature display homes lining its sidewalks, each depicting various magical scenes of wonder.
At the end of the street, the Town of Oyster Bay’s Showmobile mobile stage was set up adjacent to the Massapequa Park train station, where various local politicians and dignitaries addressed the crowd, hyping them up as they counted down the minutes to the main event: the lighting ceremony.
The event opened with The Strolling Carolers belting out toe-tapping variations of many holiday favorites, setting the mood for what was still to come. Next, members of Massapequa High School’s Cheerleaders and Chiefettes took to the cordoned off area in front of the Showmobile to show off their dance moves for the rapidly growing and boisterous crowd.
And finally, Santa Claus himself – accompanied by Mrs. Claus, of course – showed up and shared a special message with the children in the crowd.
Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino was in attendance, who extolled the virtues of living in a tight-knit community such as Massapequa Park, especially during the holiday season.
“Isn’t Massapequa Park the best? It’s so popular that folks from Suffolk County came out here tonight!” he said. “On behalf of all of us in the Town of Oyster Bay and all levels of government, we wish you healthy and happy holidays filled with laughter and filled with love! Thank you again to the Village of Massapequa Park for making this celebration rock!”
Without any further ado, the Village moved on to what everyone was waiting for…the lighting ceremony. First, the Menorah was lit, and Mayor Pearl introduced the gentleman who was entrusted with the honor of throwing the switch to make it so- Massapequa Bagel Boss owner Jeff Grossfeld.
“Jeff is the son of Holocaust-surviving parents,” Mayor Pearl said. “He has been selling blue and white bagels at Bagel Boss in support of Israel, with all the proceeds of those bagels being donated to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. He’s a lifelong member of our community and has been in the bagel business for over 43 years, starting at the Buttered Bagel when he was at Massapequa High School. Pease join Jeff and his family as he lights the menorah.”
After Grossfeld wished the crowd “Happy Holidays” and officially lit the Menorah, the tree lighting was next, which was carried out by local DJ Larry “The Duck” Dunn.
“Larry and his family have lived in our Village for over 30 years,” said Mayor Pearl. “Larry is an accomplished radio broadcaster and DJ, having begun his career over 43 years ago. Larry currently broadcasts on Sirius/XM First Wave channel 33 from right here in our Village, six days a week.”
After “The Duck” threw the switch and lit the Christmas Tree, the Village square was transformed into a heavenly and serene sight, driving home the fact that the holiday season had truly taken the Village of Massapequa Park within the palm of its hand.
“And in the spirit of the holidays, I hope each of us will have an opportunity to stop to reflect and pay attention to what is most important in life,” Mayor Pearl said in closing. “I hope you all find opportunities to feel gratitude, even in the smallest of blessings, and I hope we feel joy and happiness. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year and may God always bless our village with peace and prosperity and always protect the United States of America.”
