You are reading

Skillman Ave. Debuts Holiday Lights

Photo: QueensPost

Dec. 2, 2010 By Christian Murray

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer switched on the Skillman Ave. holiday lights on Wednesday night, which were erected for the first time between 45th and 51st Streets.

A group of about 80 people gathered across the street from Aubergine Café on 50th Street and Skillman Ave. at 6:30pm to be part of the ceremony—despite the fact that the neighborhood had been blanketed by wind and rain for most of the day.

“Many people called our office today nervous about the weather,” Van Bramer said during the event. “But I said, ‘it never rains in Sunnyside – or Woodside for that matter.’”

Van Bramer said he was a big supporter of the lights since they bring the holiday spirit to the neighborhood. Additionally, “they’re good for small businesses, since they bring foot traffic- and businesses need our support.”

There have already been calls to extend the lights on Skillman farther west to 43rd Street– and all the way east past 52nd Street next year. Father Brian Dowd, who is the leader of the Queen of Angels RC church, is a strong advocate for their extension, Van Bramer said.

The project was brought together by the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Van Bramer’s office.

Ira Goldberg, president of the Chamber, and Tim Chen, who was the chamber’s main organizer, both expressed how it took a lot of work to complete the project since there were permit issues, city funding rules and complex electrical work that had to get done.

On Tuesday night, there was a holiday tree lighting in Sabba Park, at 50th Street and Queens Blvd., that featured Santa, Christmas carolers and the Sunnyside Drum Corps.

Rev. Joseph Jerome of All Saints Church and Father Brian Dowd at Joe Sabba Park on Tuesday

email the author: news@queenspost.com

One Comment

Click for Comments 

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Fall fun in western Queens: Your guide to the best seasonal events

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With beach days and summer BBQs behind us, the start of September rings in the start of magnificent Fall foliage, Halloween and more fun activities that come with the start of Autumn, including a list of Fall events in the area. From apple picking to seasonal ciders and more, there is tons to explore in the community. From Mystic Markets to scary movie meet-ups and more, here is a list of Fall events you do not want to miss.

A hidden gem in Sunnyside: Bistro Punta Sal blends Peruvian and Italian flavors

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

On a quiet street in Sunnyside, Bistro Punta Sal has its French doors wide open, letting the late August breeze emanate throughout the space, which is ornate with flowers, paintings and an array of tables and chairs for intimate dinners with friends or a romantic date night. The cozy restaurant, located at 45-51 46th St., is a hidden gem in the neighborhood that is just waiting to be discovered, as the sights and aromas of the restaurant invite guests in. 

Queens Together launches ‘Unofficial US Open Dining Guide’ encouraging fans to sample restaurants along the 7 line

Aug. 20, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

The US Open returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park this Sunday, with more than 1 million attendees anticipated to take mass transit to the iconic annual tennis event. With hundreds of thousands of fans set to take the 7 out to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, there is a world of delicious local eateries lying beneath the elevated train tracks should any fan wish to stop en-route to the US Open.