STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The annual Annadale Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was held Sunday night unlike years past, as the event was live-streamed in front of a virtual audience amid coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions.
The tree lighting has been held in Annadale Green Park for more than two decades, normally draws hundreds and features live music, inflatable bouncy houses and live performances.
While this year’s lighting was markedly more reserved, a small crowd still gathered to see the tree lit up in a flurry of color, in addition to those who watched online.
Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore), a longtime sponsor of the event, said it was integral to keep the tradition of the the three lighting despite the circumstances.
“It’s important for us to get together as a town, light our Christmas tree and celebrate this holiday season, which so many of us have a lot to be thankful for,” said Borelli. “And with Christmas and Hanukkah on the horizon, so many of us are ready to be excited for good and positive things to come.”
Santa Claus, who paid a special visit to the event, helped kick off the virtual tree lighting with a message to those watching.
“Make sure everybody wears your mask so this passes,” said Saint Nick. “This Christmas, don’t worry, I’ll wear a mask in every house that I go into, and I will give you all your gifts. You are not going to lose out on gifts for a pandemic.”
Merry Christmas from me, Mrs. Claus … and all of the little elves that are in the North Pole,” he said.
Annual Annadale Christmas Tree Lighting held virtually as Santa Claus pays a visit to South Shore
Santa Claus went through nearby neighborhoods on board the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund Firetruck. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)
Along with Borelli, the ceremony is sponsored by the South Shore Business Improvement District (BID), Hudson Wealth Management and Molloy Electric.
“We may have had to adapt, but you can’t stop Santa from visiting the South Shore,” said Gary Fleming, President of the South Shore BID. “Our tree lighting event is a tradition for so many families, and this year despite all that’s going on around us, we intend to spread joy and cheer to our District.”
After the tree was lit, Santa Claus hopped on the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund Firetruck for a car caravan through Annadale, Eltingville and Great Kills to visit houses along the route and spread some holiday spirit as a new feature of the ceremony.
Anthony Rapacciuolo, the executive director of the South Shore BID, said a “Santa Tracker” was used this year to show excited children when Santa Claus would be stopping by their area following the tree lighting.
“To be honest, having Santa drive around the town and going around to different houses might be something that we keep doing every year,” said Borelli.
Annual Annadale Christmas Tree Lighting held virtually as Santa Claus pays a visit to South Shore
Councilman Joe Borelli, who sponsors the event, aboard the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund Firetruck. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)
The tree will remain lit for the duration of the season, according to the event’s sponsors, who also encouraged those watching to support the businesses in the area.
“It’s one of those years to be really, really supportive of our small businesses,” said Borelli. “We need your help. The town needs your help.”
Nicholas Benevento, of Hudson Wealth Management, echoed those sentiments. “Like Joe said, we all got to stick together and support the community,” he said.
“I hope everyone has a great holiday.”