Broad Channel Lights Its Tree!

By Dan Guarino

On Saturday, December 6, Santa and invited guests led an excited crowd at the Broad Channel Athletic Club (BCAC) field in a countdown to the lighting of the island community’s Christmas tree. The annual event drew hundreds of adults and children, friends, families and neighbors from Broad Channel, Rockaway and beyond.

Counting down from ten, all those gathered let out a happy roar when they hit “One!” and the festive tree lit up the night.

The BCAC Annual Tree Lighting event started at 4 p.m. on that chilly, but still day-lit afternoon. The area was decorated with large Christmas inflatables and other holiday trimmings. At various tables, children enjoyed writing letters to Santa, holiday craft making, and mixing special reindeer food to spread outside to help Santa’s eight tiny reindeers, plus Rudolph, find their way on Christmas Eve.

There were games like Christmas tree cone ring toss, and children swarmed over the field’s brightly colored playground, while even a neighbor’s friendly golden-furred dog provided an extra helping of joy as children pet him.

Tree lighting attendees enjoyed free hot chocolate with marshmallows from the BCAC snack stand and slices of pizza. As dusk settled, all were treated to special performances by City Elite Cheerleaders out on the field and Broad Channel Girl Scout Troop 04434 and the New Life Choir under the large BCAC gazebo.

As the last notes of the choir’s “Here Comes Santa Claus” rang out, the sound of clanging bells and sirens signaled the arrival of a very special guest. The crowds rushed forward as a Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) engine pulled into the BCAC parking lot and jolly St. Nick stepped off.

With a deep and hearty “Ho ho ho,” the man in red strode forward, surrounded by excited children, and made his way up to the BCAC clubhouse upper deck. There, St. Camillus-St. Virgilius Pastor Father James Rodriguez joined Santa and other guests, invoking a prayer and reminding all that the holiday was about lighting a light even in the darkest times. The soon to be glowing Christmas tree, he said, was a symbol of that light to the world.

After the tree was lit, children and parents all lined up outside the club house, eager to take pictures with Santa inside. One child ran up first to give Santa a big hug. As they exited, each child received a wrapped present, presented by a BCVFD volunteer. Several adults and groups of adults also posed for photos with Santa. BCAC volunteers kept things going at a brisk pace to make sure no one had to wait outside too long.

With the last of the pictures taken, Santa Claus once again climbed aboard the BCVFD rig and was whisked away into the night with sirens blaring and lights flashing.

“We’ve lost count what year the tree lighting began,” a BCAC spokesperson said afterward. “But it’s been a long-standing tradition in Broad Channel for as long as any of us can remember!”

The event is planned and run each year by the BCAC’s holiday committee. This year the BCAC was able to fill an entire garment box of donated unwrapped toys, which were then donated to the 12th Annual NYFAC (New York Families for Autistic Children) Toy Run. Gathering the next day, Sunday, December 7, a contingent of some 260 motorcycle riders made the run from Forest Park to American Legion Post 1404 in Broad Channel.

For this year’s BC tree lighting, NYFAC donated the free hot chocolate, while Hooks Pizza donated dozens of hot pies. Lisena Garden Center donated the tree itself and assisted with outdoor decorating. Local business CALLAHEAD and the Howard family donated 100 gifts for the children.

The BCAC extended its thanks to “all those who donated to ensure our annual event is successful, as well as our performers! We thank Santa for stopping by to light our tree, as well as our photographer Dan Guarino who captured each moment. We have to thank the BCVFD who always makes sure Santa arrives safely!

“Thank you to Father Rodriguez for leading us in prayer,” they added, “and reminding us what the season is about! Thank you to Councilwoman Ariola’s office, Sgt. Byrd from 100th Pct, Civic President Dan Mundy, Fred Lisena, Charlie Howard, and BCVFD Chief George Conklin for attending our tree lighting.”

Looking ahead after another successful event and bringing so many more smiles and warm Christmas memories to the tight-knit community, the BCAC noted, “We look forward to adding new and exciting components each year!”

Photos by Dan Guarino and courtesy of BCAC.