Hundreds of residents kicked off the holiday season at the Seaford Fire Department for its 52nd annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
The festivities began at 6:30 p.m. at 2170 Southard Ave. in Seaford on Dec. 6. The evening featured a decorated fire truck parade, pictures with Santa Claus, as well as hot chocolate and cookies.
In addition, live music was provided by the Seaford High School band and Chorus. There were also dance performances by little kids all the way up to high school performances by performers from Seaford-based dance studio Downstage Dance.
Attendees were also encouraged to bring one unopened toy to benefit The John Theissen Children’s Foundation.
The nonprofit, founded by Wantagh resident John Theissen, supports sick and underprivileged children across Long Island through toy drives, financial assistance, medical support, back-to-school programs, and recreational events. Theissen started the organization after surviving a brain tumor as a child and seeing firsthand the loneliness and difficulty that young patients face in hospitals.
Several local elected officials also showed up to the lighting, including State Sen. Steven Rhoads, Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, Town Councilman Chris Schneider and Nassau County Legislator-elect Kayla Knight.
“It was wonderful to join so many neighbors at the Seaford Fire Department’s annual Christmas tree lighting—an event that truly captures the spirit of the season,” Knight wrote in a Dec. 12 Facebook post. “Thank you to the talented Seaford School District music students and Downstage Dance for their fantastic performances, and to the Seaford Fire Department for once again bringing our community together to kick off the holidays in such a special way.”
Following the performances the hundreds of people at the Seaford Fire Department counted down from ten to one and when the countdown finished the tree lit up the cold winter sky. Attendees were invited inside to the firehouse after for hot chocolate and pictures with Santa Claus.
