Merrick chamber spreads holiday cheer

This weekend, the Merrick Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual tree and menorah lighting, as well as a visit from Santa.

On Dec. 4, Merokeans gathered at the gazebo on Merrick Avenue by the Merrick Train Station to meet Santa. With Santa arriving on a fire truck, free candy and hot chocolate were served, and patrons could take photos with Santa.

On Dec. 5, the chamber held their annual tree and menorah lighting next to the gazebo.

“We welcome you, and it is our pleasure to continue to do this year after year,” Julie Marchesella from the chamber board of directors said. “We hope that you enjoy it.”

Rabbi Howard Siegel from the Merrick Jewish Centre was in attendance to help celebrate the final night of Hanukkah.

“Today is the final night of the celebration of Hanukkah,” Siegel said to the crowd. “Hanukkah is often called the festival of light —it certainly comes at the right time this year.

“After some of the difficulties of years past, with Covid and everything else we’ve been going through, it is nice to know that at the end of darkness there is light,” he added. “Light exists as a reminder to each and every one of us that no matter what may happen in life there is going to be a better day. For Jews, this is celebrated for 8 days — to inspire us as we move into a new year to bring that light into the darkest corners of our society and our communities.”

At the lighting, hot chocolate was also served to the many Merokeans who came out to watch the final menorah candle be lit, followed by the Christmas tree. A nativity scene, courtesy of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Merrick, was also set up in front of the tree.

“There are many events that we host throughout the course of the year, one of them being our annual fall festival, which pays for all of the holiday lights that you see,” Marchesella said. “We hope that you will support our local stores and our professionals, and give back to us the way we give back to you.”