Soggy weather had become the norm in recent Decembers during Mineola’s annual Christmas tree lighting, but Friday, Dec. 4 showcased crisp night air with a tinge of cold as residents gathered to marvel. With Mayor Scott Strauss in tow, Kevin Reyes, Brendan Torres and Andrew Maloney helped light the tree that will shine on Jericho Turnpike through the holiday season.
“This is the first year in a while that we actually were able to participate in the event outside with everybody,” Strauss said. “Even though it rained during those years, we got great participation and this year was no different, except the rain stayed away.”
With the Chaminade High School Jazz Band showcasing holiday tunes, residents and children waited with baited breath and excitement for the tree to come alive, along with a visit from old St. Nick. Local Girl Scout and Daisy troops 1734, 1734 and 1735 sang Christmas tunes, including “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.”
Santa Claus strolled to Village Hall with his friends Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and Sparky The Dalmatian all of whom were crowded around by the children as the holiday icons made their way into the community center.
Members of the Mineola Junior Fire Department and other volunteers doled out handmade s’mores.
“It’s fun,” Strauss said. “To help kick off the holiday season, there’s nothing bad about it.”
