The Town of Smithtown held their Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 3rd at Town Hall. Master of Ceremonies, John Zollo kicked off the evening by announcing the arrival of Santa Claus, courtesy of the Smithtown Fire Department, straight from the North Pole around 5:15 p.m.
Santa Claus, with help from volunteer Elves and our Smithtown Fire Marshall, Nick Kefalos interacted with little residents, taking photos and collecting big hugs for the duration of the event. Live performances from Great Hollow Select Chorus, Hauppauge HS Kickline, RJO Intermediate Chorus, Smithtown West Varsity Whisperettes, Accompsett Middle School Select Chorus, Sara Jean Dance Company, and Smithtown West Jazz Choir, entertained the crowd throughout the night. The magic of the holiday season closed the evening out, when the Town Administration and our youngest residents flipped the switch to light tree, just as snow flurries fell from the sky.
“This event gets better every year. People couldn’t believe that it started to snow! They kept asking if we got a snow machine… It was truly magical. I’d like to thank everyone who made this event possible; especially our talented team at the Recreation Department, our Parks, Buildings and Grounds crew, who didn’t stop working through the bitter cold weather for two days, our amazing Department of Public Safety, GTV film crew and of course our Chief Fire Marshall and the Smithtown Fire Department for getting Santa here safe!” said Town of Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
“Also, a special thanks to the incredible school districts, dance companies, talented teachers, students and parents who made this event so much fun for everyone. Thank you to our Girl Scout Troops, and the Smithtown Youth Bureau volunteers for always making our events so community friendly! Finally, thanks to our vendors who participated this year, especially Smithtown Landing Caterers who donated the cookies and hot chocolate for the evening. We are so blessed and thankful to live in a town that comes together in such a wonderful way! Every year this ceremony gets bigger and better. It was the perfect kickoff to a wonderful holiday season,” added Supervisor Wehrheim.
The community based event is organized by the Department of Recreation, with support from the Parks Department and the Department of Public Safety. Volunteers included Girl Scout Troops 292, 1823, and 628 as well as a number of Local High School student volunteers who were enlisted thanks to the Smithtown Youth Bureau. The tree is decorated each year by the Department of Traffic Safety. Town Hall is transformed into a winter wonderland, quite literally, with decorations, designed and constructed by the Parks Department. Live event staging and pro audio services are provided by Taylor Productions.
Live performances that entertained a packed house included Great Hollow Select Chorus, Hauppauge HS Kickline, RJO Intermediate Chorus, Smithtown West Varsity Whisperettes, Accompsett Middle School Select Chorus, Sara Jean Dance Company, and Smithtown West Jazz Choir. Each group performed seasonal favorites for a crowd of approximately 300 people.
Youth volunteers served Cookies and Hot Chocolate, donated courtesy of Smithtown Landing Caterers. Balloon Sculpting was provided for kids of all ages by Animations. The Big Black Food Truck and Pretzel Factory featured delicious snacks and light fare. New this year, Zag’s Photo Booth was set up for guests to pose for digital and print photos. Bins were loaded to the brim for the Smithtown Food Pantry and Toys for Tots. Residents may still drop off Toys for Tots at Town Hall now through December 13th. Residents who wish to make a donation to the Smithtown Food Pantry may do so in person at their location: 90 Edgewater Avenue in the hamlet of Smithtown.
TOYS FOR TOTS DROP SITE:
Did you know, you can donate new toys to the US Marines Toys for Tots drop off site, located inside Town Hall (at the main entrance.) The collection will be picked up by the Marine Corps on December 13th, 2024. Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 9AM – 5PM.
UPSIDE DOWN GIFT CARD TREE:
Residents looking for a unique way to give back during the holidays may stop by the Smithtown Senior Center (420 Middle Country Rd, Smithtown) during regular business hours and pick an ornament from the upside down tree. Each ornament lists a gift card which will be donated to Angles of Kings Park to assist local families and children in need. Gift Cards must be donated by Tuesday, December 10th. The Smithtown Senior Center is open Monday through Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. For more information please call: (631) 360-7616
Upcoming Events:
The Town of Smithtown Recreation & Senior Citizens Departments will host an independent holiday shopping experience for kids. On Saturday, December 7th, from 10AM to 1PM, children (grades K-5) can shop with a chaperone, and enjoy giving gifts to family & friends, without spoiling the surprise. Extra little shoppers may shop with parents and older siblings after 12:30PM. The Tender Years Treasury event showcases handmade gifts, all modestly priced at $5 and under. The independent kids shopping experience is held at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony: The Town of Smithtown will hold its Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony on December 26th from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Town Hall. The community based event, is hosted by Supervisor Wehrheim and the Town Board, featuring Rabbi Mendel Teldon of Chabad Mid Suffolk, music, Latkes, Donuts and gelt drop. Additional details to follow.
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