When a 'Winter Wonderland' came to Valley Stream

Neither rain nor a pandemic could stop the Christmas festivities in Valley Stream this year, when on Friday the village hosted a one-of-its-kind drive through winter wonderland with, of course, a visit from the big man in red himself.

Nearly 1,000 cars lined up at the Hendrickson Park pool parking lot for the event, which featured live festive music from the Salvation Army band, lights, decorations, costumed characters and, finally, Santa Claus in his sled. Children also had the opportunity to drop off letters to Santa, which his elves collected in a big cardboard box.

Preparation was a two-week endeavor, according to Jimmy Fitanzo, village director of recreation, with collaboration between a number of village departments. He said it was worth it, however, to give families in the neighborhood a bit of holiday cheer while keeping them safe in trying times.

“We’re just trying to bring a bit of normalcy to our Valley Stream residents, to bring their families out and forget about the problems of the world for an hour or two, and it was just worth everything,” he said of the effort.

Mayor Ed Fare thanked the workers for putting the wonderland together, and of course, “Santa,” he said. “Where would we be without Santa?”