State Senator John Liu hosted his third annual holiday block party Tuesday, Dec. 6, in front of his office at 38-50 Bell Blvd. The event was held in conjunction with the Bayside Village Business Improvement District and the Bayside Business Association.
More than 100 people braved the rainy weather to take part in the event, which ran from 6 to 8 p.m. Additionally, approximately 20 local restaurants donated food for the event.
The block party featured holiday caroling from local musicians, food from local restaurants, games, activities and more.
The party kicked off with caroling from members of the New York Young Arts Foundation, who performed their rendition of “White Christmas” and “O Holy Night.” Following the performance, several elected officials in attendance delivered remarks, including Liu, Assemblyman Edward Braunstein and Assemblyman David Weprin.
After the remarks, the event’s first game was underway. Those playing had to feel a mystery item inside a box and guess what it was without looking at it.
After the game was completed, the Tarumi Violinists performed several holiday songs, including “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World,” “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen,” “Ode to Joy,” “Angels we have Heard on High,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Rock Around the Clock,” “Boy Paganini” and “Millionaire’s Hoedown.”
Two more games followed the Tarumi Violinists’ performance: “Pin the Tie on John Liu” (a parody of Pin the Tail on the Donkey) and the “Cup Game.”
The NY Children’s Choir then put on a caroling performance of their own. They sung “Silent Night, Holy Night,” “When Christmas Comes to Town,” “Shalom Chaverim,” “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “Jingle Bells.”
Following a round of the communication game, attendees performed karaoke rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” This was followed by certificates being given out to the block party’s vendors.
The last game at the block party was guessing how many candies were in a jar. After the game’s conclusion, closing remarks were delivered.
