Despite the wet and gloomy weather that lingered well into the early afternoon, the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District’s annual Holiday Festival on Dec. 3 proved to be a success. Santa Claus arrived at Village Square by horse and carriage promptly at 1:30pm, kicking off the afternoon’s festivities.
In addition to escaping from the rain for a free photo in Santa’s Den, attendees enjoyed the free horse and carriage rides, decorating stockings and sipping on coffee or hot cocoa – enhanced by a choice of toppings from the Hot Cocoa Bar. Children eagerly indulged in the sweets and began using their creativity to decorate a free stocking, courtesy of Glen Cove Eye Care, or writing letters to Santa.
The afternoon was also filled with holiday music and performances. Due to the weather, a handful of scheduled performers canceled, but shortly after 2pm – just after the rain cleared– the Our Lady of Mercy Academy Chorus took the stage and sang a lovely selection of Christmas songs. The Jazz Hands Children’s Theatre followed with several songs from “The Sound of Music” – which the group is performing in January – and the theater’s artistic director Christopher Moll, assistant Morgan Misk and member Talya Smilowitz performed solos. The performances continued with the Robert M. Finley Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Chorus, St. Dominic’s Chorus, St. Dominic’s Dance Company, and the Slayer Players. Downtown Sounds Teen Idol Lexi Briones and finalist Charlotte Marchioli also performed, then returned to the stage to join Mayor Pam Panzenbeck and the Glen Cove City Council singing Christmas carols just prior to the tree lighting.
Throughout the afternoon, the Grinch and Martha May delighted the crowds and posed for pictures. Staying true to character, the Grinch could be heard spouting ill wishes to anyone who crossed his path, getting lots of smiles from the children.
“Our annual holiday festival is always a wonderful way to bring our community together to celebrate the season,” said Patricia Holman, Executive Director of the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District. “We were disappointed that the weather didn’t fully cooperate, but were lucky that the rain cleared just in time for everyone to enjoy the bulk of the festivities.”
She said that the volunteers who showed up to help were invaluable and noted that the event would not be possible without its sponsors: American Paving & Masonry, Henry’s Confectionery, Take It Away, Glen Floors, Glen Cove Eye Care, Long Island Video Enterprises, and How Can I Help Elder Care. And she also extended a thank-you to Starbucks for donating coffee as well as volunteers to help serve it, and to the Department of Public Works, especially Vincent Martinez and Mario Calderon for setting up and breaking down the stage and large stage banner.
