Over 200 people attended the Holiday and Tree Lighting organized by the Lakeview Civic Association at Harold Walker Memorial Park on Dec. 5.
“We are here bringing in the holidays,” Lisa Ortiz, president of the civic, said. “We’re acknowledging all of the holidays we, here in this nation, celebrate, from Christmas to Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.”
The evening leads up to the lighting of the Christmas tree, but a menorah and kinara are present to represent Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, respectively.
“It’s important to bring the community out,” Ortiz said. “We want to bring some holiday cheer into our community. Not everyone has an opportunity to celebrate the holidays with a loved one, so we want to make sure that they know they have a family here in Lakeview.”
Groups and organizations from throughout the Lakeview community took part in the event, ensuring the evening was a joyous success. Moms Who Care, Inc., a Lakeview-based non-profit organization that promotes literacy, gave away books that represented various cultures and backgrounds.
The Lakeview Civic Association provided free hot chocolate, hand warmers, smores, and holiday accessories. Children had the opportunity to make slime and different Christmas ornaments. Other groups handed out snacks and holiday treats.
There were several performances that added to the holiday cheer, including a performance from the Pride of Malverne Marching Band, a dance from the dancers of Artistry Performing Arts Center, and Christmas songs were sung with cheer.
