The Woodhaven Business Improvement District (BID) hosted a stunning Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6, with the help of the Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven and Queens Community Board 9.
Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar was in attendance as the beautiful tree was lit up to mark the start of the holiday season. As the representative for Assembly District 38, Rajkumar covers Woodhaven, as well as Glendale, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and Ridgewood.
Council Member Joann Ariola also spoke to the crowd as part of her commitment to Woodhaven. She represents District 32, which covers Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Rockaway Park, Neponsit, and Roxbury.
A fantastic children’s choir from the Forest Park School, P.S. 91Q, serenaded the attendees with festive cheer before they took photos with Santa as he pulled up in style in a decked-out car. The Grinch also tagged along, but no presents were stolen by him this year.
The Kiwanis set up a table full of toys and games for the kids to collect after meeting Santa. There were also plenty of refreshments, including cookies, hot chocolate, and cupcakes. Santa hats and glowsticks were distributed to attendees as festive cheer spread rapidly through the crowd.
The All Nations Baptist Church choir made an appearance as they treated the attendees to rounds of Christmas carols and seasonal hymns. It was a busy event with a huge crowd lining up for refreshments and the chance for a photo with Santa.
State Senator Joseph Addabbo also came out to greet the attendees. He represents the Senate’s 15th District, which covers many of the same neighborhoods as Rajkumar, as well as Middle Village.
Sponsors for the magical event included: El Molino Bakery, Fine Fare Supermarket, Flagstar, The Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven, Pan Ugo Bakery, Woodhaven Resident’s Block Association, and Queens Community Board 9.
The Woodhaven BID hosts this event annually to celebrate the holiday season and spread cheer to local residents. It was originally created to complement, expand, and actively encourage the entire retail and commercial development of Woodhaven’s Jamaica Ave. into the new millennium and beyond.
It incorporates all properties that front Jamaica Ave. from Dexter Court to 100th St. and contracts with outside vendors to provide security, sanitation, and graffiti vandalism removal services within its boundaries.
