A collaborative effort between Oyster Bay’s Chamber of Commerce, the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, and the Oyster Bay Civic Association is under way to present “Holidays in Oyster Bay 2009.” Through the generosity of many local sponsors, even more snowflake silhouettes will illuminate South Street to the Pine Hollow area, transforming the hamlet into a sparkling sight! Audrey Avenue has taken on a new look this year with the addition of colorful banners on the historic style lamp posts. It has been fun to watch the festive transformation!
Michele Browner, chamber secretary, said “The snowflakes were installed on Tuesday, Nov. 24; the wreaths went up on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and the banners went up this week. The Town of Oyster Bay has been more than marvelous working with us and getting things done. On Friday, Nov. 27 they put the lights up on the tree at the Derby-Hall Bandstand.” You can see the tree lights turned on Sunday, Dec. 6 beginning at 4:45 p.m. at the Derby-Hall Memorial Bandstand.
During the upcoming weekends, local stores and restaurants are planning special promotions. Buckingham’s Variety Store located at 36 Audrey Avenue will be the site of this year’s free gift-wrapping center. Simply visit the store with an item purchased at an Oyster Bay-East Norwich shop, show a receipt, and enjoy free gift-wrapping! Families are encouraged to shop and dine in downtown Oyster Bay and make a day of it!
Old-Fashioned Horse-and-Carriage Rides
What has become a holiday tradition in Oyster Bay, free horse-and-carriage rides will once again be offered on Sunday, Dec. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. The ride showcases the quaint architecture and history of the downtown. Families wishing to reserve a spot for horse and carriage rides may call the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce at 922-6464 or e-mail. obchamber@gmail.com as soon as possible since they go fast. The rides will embark and disembark at the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum Preview Center located at 102 Audrey Avenue (across the street from Ben’s Garden and Chalikian Jewelers). Parking is available at the lot next to the OBR Preview Center. All are welcome to visit the museum where refreshments will be served, operating model railroads can be viewed along with railroad artifacts, and a chance to enter a raffle for some great prizes.
Additionally, Santa may make an appearance for photographs! Creative Compositions of Oyster Bay will be on site to take 5×7-inch photos of children and families on railroad equipment.
Holiday Festivities and Entertainment
This year, the annual Holiday Tree Lighting will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6 beginning at 4:45 p.m. at the Derby-Hall Memorial Bandstand. Decorated by the Town of Oyster Bay’s Lighting Department led by Steve Bauer, this beautiful tree will light up the night! Town of Oyster Bay’s own master of ceremony, John Canning will reprise his role as narrator of T’was the Night Before Christmas, and performers from the HPS Network will lead the audience in singing traditional carols. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a dramatic entrance on Atlantic Steamer’s firetruck. And of course, refreshments will be served compliments of the Oyster Bay Civic Association!
The Chanukah Menorah Lighting by Rabbi Marvin Demant of the Oyster Bay Jewish Center will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Derby-Hall Memorial Bandstand, next to Town Hall. All are invited to attend to share in the special ceremony and enjoy refreshments!
For more information, call the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce at 922-6464 or e-mail obchamber@gmail.com.
