Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce is bringing a little Christmas spirit to the middle of summer as it continues raising money to replace the lighted snowflakes that have become a familiar part of the community’s holiday decorations.
The chamber’s Jingle in July fundraiser, held at Cooper Bluff on July 22, raised approximately $16,000 toward the effort. The chamber is continuing the campaign through the rest of the summer under the name “Jingle All the Way,” with an ultimate goal of $25,000.
Amy Reilly Hanley, executive director of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, said the money will be used to replace the snowflakes, which have been in use for roughly two decades.
Hanley said chamber volunteers have spent years inspecting the decorations and replacing individual bulbs, but the aging snowflakes have increasingly become difficult to maintain.
“This year, more than in the past, we had more snowflakes that just didn’t work, or when they got up, even after all the checking, didn’t work,” she said. “So we were like, ‘okay, maybe it’s time to get new snowflakes,’ and it’s a pretty significant expense.”
The chamber’s initial fundraising goal was $20,000, with the organization committing to match the first $5,000 raised. The combined goal is now $25,000, enough to replace all 40 snowflakes.
Hanley said the chamber has been able to work with local businesses to obtain wholesale pricing of approximately $600 per snowflake.
The Jingle in July event was organized in roughly six weeks, Hanley said, with local businesses contributing raffle prizes and other support. Approximately 30 raffle items were available, including a framed, signed poster of New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson donated by Long Island Picture Frame and a Waterfront Center package featuring a sunset cruise, guitar and other items.
Attendees received a snowflake slushie, along with light bites, music and raffle opportunities. The event was held outdoors, and Hanley said favorable weather helped make the evening a success.
“It was a beautiful night,” Hanley added. “The weather was perfect, so we did get really lucky in that regard.”
Rob Brusca, a chamber board director, said the snowflakes have been part of the community’s holiday landscape for at least 15 years and were well received when they were first installed. Local organizations and residents helped sponsor additional decorations, including snowflakes extending toward East Norwich.
“They’ve lived a very useful life,” Brusca emphasized, “and over time, I think that it’s made a tremendous difference in the holiday timing of everything.”
Brusca said the decorations are part of a broader community effort involving local organizations and businesses to make Oyster Bay welcoming for residents and visitors while supporting the local business community.
“The chamber’s mission also encompasses the general welfare of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich community, which includes the residents and visitors alike,” Brusca explained, “and with that very appealing downtown environment during the holidays, it just makes it a lot more resident-, business-, and visitor-friendly in total, and in the end, it does in fact, improve the business community’s opportunities to succeed here.”
He said the fundraiser demonstrated the willingness of local businesses to support community projects, citing contributions from businesses including Oyster Bay Brewing Company, the Waterfront Center, Sanctuary, Wonderland Tree Care, Long Island Picture Frame and others.
Residents interested in contributing or simply more about the chamber, its mission and events, can visit VisitOysterBay. To donate to the fundraiser, select the “Light the Holidays” tab at the top for more information.
