In celebration of the magic and beauty of the holiday season, Westchester Square Business Improvement District (Westchester BID) hosted their annual tree lighting at Owen Dolan Park.
Children had the chance to sit down with a bona fide Santa Claus who proudly showed that his NY State license listed his name as, “Santa Claus” when asked if it was a nickname. Despite the cold weather, children and parents lined up to say what was on their wish list.
“She said she wants a puppy!” said Santa Claus to the mother of a little girl. Families were able to take pictures with Santa and his elves for free. Also, after talking to Santa each child received a gift, all made possible by Westchester Square BID.
Local Bronx politicians even lined up to talk to Santa. Councilman Jimmy Vacca, Senator Jeff Klein, Congressman Crowley’s representative, Thomas Messina, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto all made a stop at Santa’s Village before the tree lighting. When asked if he wanted to sit on Santa’s lap, Lenny Caro, President & CEO of Bronx Chamber of Commerce, responded, “I might crush him! But I’ll gladly tell him what he can get me for Christmas!”
Gene DiNapoli was the night’s MC while a live DJ played Christmas songs and encouraged both parents and children to dance. A classic troupe of yuletide carolers entertained observers and families as they sipped from steaming cups of hot chocolate.
A special guest appearance was made by two of Santa’s reindeer that came from Reindeer Run, a family owned farm in Ulster County. “Where is Rudolph?” one child asked as Santa gently pet the head of one of the reindeer.
With all the wonderful things going on that evening, the highlight was the tree lighting. As politicians, community leaders, business leaders, and children huddled around the dark tree during countdown, everyone’s eyes were on the tree. With the flick of a switch, the Christmas tree lights were now shining and so were the eyes of the children as they looked up in awe.
Please enjoy our gallery of pictures from that evening by Natalia Vivas from Westchester Square BID and Associate Editor of The Bronx Chronicle, Kathleen Canzoniero.
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