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Sunnyside kicks off holiday season with lights

Source: Pat Dorfman

Dec. 2, 2012 By Bill Parry

Police from the 108th Precinct closed down traffic on Skillman Ave. on Thursday evening so a crowd of 250 people could celebrate the 3rd annual Holiday Lighting event.

The event, which marked the illumination of the snowflakes on Skillman Ave., took place across the street from Aubergine Café (Skillman and 50st Street), where the owner Gary O’Neill provided hot chocolate to the attendees.

“This is by far the biggest crowd in the three years we’ve done this,” Jimmy Van Bramer, the local councilman, said. “It gets better every year.”

Students from P.S. 150 and P.S.11 sang Christmas carols for the crowd of parents, elected officials and a host of civic leaders. The children sang songs such as: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas; I wanna wish you a merry Christmas; and Let there be Peace on Earth.

About 10 minutes later, a police car pulled up and Santa emerged handing out candy.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce held its 30th tree lighting celebration at Sabba Park, which went ahead as planned despite the harsh rain.

A few dozen hardy souls braved the elements to join the Sunnyside Drum Corps and choral groups from the LIC YMCA and LaGuardia Community College.

Pastor Brian Dowd, the parish leader at Queens of Angels, was happy with the turnout despite the inclement weather. “I like to call Sunnyside a small town in the big city,” Father Dowd explained, “this reminds me of It’s a Wonderful Life.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

9 Comments

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Rick Duro

I saw a stare down between Chaaaaaange guy and a bank employee, I predict a turf war soon.

On another note, there is a sign on the bank that says ‘no smoking w/i 25 feet of doors’. So the bank employees go and smoke in front of the laudromat on 41st instead….

RD

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Sunnyside Native

LOL @ Ruben! Well, the other homeless guy who holds the door for you at the Dunkin Donuts on Queens Blvd., between 45th & 46th Streets is now branching out to hold the door at other local establishments! Isn’t that GREAT!

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Ruben

Yesterday I saw an Asian man/employee of TD Bank Shoo away the Chaaaange Bum. A tear fell down my eye, tis was a Christmas miracle!

As promised I will now open an account with TD Bank…a bank with BALLS!

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"Sunnysider"

Sorry I missed this event this years but 250 people show alot for our town getting together … this brings unity and love and caring for our town which is really fantastic and a very proud moment for us

Ihope we all have a great holday season… Iknow we are a real melting pot of relegions here so Iwish all our relegious leaders a happy and safe holday season to all ofus..

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