Photo: Parks Dept
Nov. 30, 2015 By Michael Florio
Astoria Park will light up this weekend for a holiday festival presented by the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition.
The third annual tree lighting and holiday festival is set for Dec. 5 on the Astoria Park Great Lawn, located off of 19th Street and 23rd Avenue, beginning at 1 p.m. The tree lighting will take place at 4:30 p.m.
This year’s event will be different than years past. Rather than comprising just a tree lighting, it will be a day of celebration, according to Marie Torniali, Executive Director of Central Astoria LDC.
Attendees will enjoy train rides around the Great Lawn, marshmallow toasting, a gingerbread-themed bouncy house and craft vendors.
There will also be live performances of holiday classics. Irene Failenbogen will perform Hanukkah and Kwanzaa songs, while Jacques LeBas will sing Christmas carols.
“We want to bring families together this holiday season,” Torniali said.
Torniali expects 1,000 people to attend.
One of those in attendance will be Councilman Costa Constantinides, who helped provide funding for the event.
“Every December, the holiday tree in Astoria Park provides light and cheer for the entire neighborhood,” Constantinides said.
“Community togetherness is the most important part of our holiday season,” he added. “This year’s holiday celebration and tree lighting ceremony will bring everyone together with activities, food and family fun.”
