BY LIBBY DU CHAMP | Amid unseasonably balmy weather, the largest crowd ever turned out for the Tompkins Square Park tree lighting ceremony on late Sunday afternoon.
All ages, from toddlers to seniors, chimed in along with the carolers from Theater for the New City, everyone singing their hearts out, with the Mandel & Lydon Trio from the Third St. Music School backing them up brilliantly. A number of East Village children won prizes from local merchants.
Albert Fabozzi was the supreme cheerleader and organizer of the charming and heartwarming annual event. Along with Fabozzi, the Tompkins Square Park Neighborhood Coalition and the East Village Parks Conservancy hosted the event.
Veselka restaurant, a longtime neighborhood culinary mainstay, served hot cider and hot chocolate.
Crystal Field, artistic director of Theater for the New City, gave a brilliant rendition of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
And to top it all off, the beautiful pine tree, planted years ago by community activists, and now grown to a graceful and rather large maturity, was, after a countdown of 20, lit and sent out its beautiful glow, which was reflected in the twinkling eyes of all the children present.
What a wonderful way to say “Welcome to the holidays” that lie before us.
