Community spreads holiday cheer at Rockville Centre tree lighting

Residents gathered and got into the holiday spirit at the annual tree lighting on Nov. 29. Families and community members enjoyed free hot chocolate, photo-ops with Frosty and Rudolph, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa Claus.

“During this time of year, we all have thanks for our friends and family,” Mayor Francis X. Murray told the crowd of hundreds. “We ask for peace all around the world,” Following the mayor’s address, the Rev. William Koenig, rector of St. Agnes Cathedral, delivered a blessing.

South Side High School’s wind ensemble and choral members performed holiday classics like “Joy to the World,” while the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church provided free hot chocolate.

Ellie Lennon, a fifth-grader at Floyd B. Watson Elementary School, pulled the switch to light the tree, after which the Rockville Centre Fire Department rode by to drop off Santa.

Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley thanked the Rockville Centre police, and the parks and electric departments for their cooperation to make the tree lighting happen.