Christmas lights adorned the Village of Malverne on Saturday, when thousands of people descended onto Hempstead Avenue for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremonies.
“The holiday lighting is one of the most special nights in Malverne,” State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, a Malverne native, said. “It makes us the envy of all of Nassau County because no one does it like Malverne. Every year, no matter where I’m asked to go, I will always be in my hometown, in Malverne.”
The Dever Holiday Ensemble kicked off the festivities, and then ushered in the village’s elf parade. Led by the Pride of Malverne Marching Band, the parade included bright and festive floats, which delivered Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Malverne train station house, where children had the opportunity to take photos and ask for a Christmas wish.
Following the parade, the tree lighting ceremony began. Attendees gathered at the water fountain, which has been turned into the crèche for the holiday season, as Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan and other village representatives shared well wishes with the crowd.
“I hope that this season brings you joy, happiness and comfort,” Sullivan said. “I hope that your season is filled with warmth and glad tidings, no matter what religion you celebrate.”
Sullivan shared that the annual holiday celebrations reflect the important qualities of the village. “Take a look around, this is what Malverne is,” he said. “It’s camaraderie, it’s compassion, it’s civility, it’s taking care of one another, it’s celebrating family and friends.”
Greg Evans, 76, a lifelong Malverne resident who still lives in his childhood home, was given the honor of lighting Malverne’s Christmas tree during the ceremony. Evans had worked for the New York City Fire Department for 32 years, after joining the Malverne Fire Department at age 18. He has held various roles in the Malverne department, where he continues as a volunteer with 58 years of service.
He also has contributed to the state and the village through his roles as president and secretary of the Fourth Battalion Chiefs Association, as trustee and president of the Malverne Fire Benevolent Exempt Association, captain of the Malverne Fire Department Police Squad, and member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the Nassau County Firefighters Association, and the South Shore Volunteer Fire Department Association.
“It was a great honor to be picked by the village to light the tree,” Evans said. “It isn’t something I expected, and I’m very happy, and I’m very proud that they chose me.”
After a countdown, the tree was officially lit for the holidays, and a blessing of the crèche was given. Father Joseph Ciccarello, of the Church of the Intercessor, gave the invocation, and the Rev. James Stachacz, of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, provided the blessing.
The festivities featured a holiday lighting carousel, a living nativity, a petting zoo, horse and buggy rides, face painting, balloon animals, and a performance from the Tap to Pointe Dance Center. Several music acts also performed throughout the night.
Fire barrels, monitored by volunteers from the Malverne Fire Department, lined the streets keeping attendees warm, and carolers traveled along Hempstead Avenue performing holiday tunes.
The festivities followed a morning of Christmas events, including breakfast and bowling with Santa.
