As kids, most of us have been to the annual Massapequa Park Tree Lighting in The Village on Park Blvd. Most people can recall the smell of hot chocolate, the sight of Santa Claus on stage and of course, the final countdown as the street lights up from the menorah and tree. This year was unlike any other year.
This year, I had the opportunity to do something I never thought I would do; my friend Maria Leonardi and I announced this year’s tree lighting. It certainly was a different perspective, as instead of being faces in the crowd, we were the voices that guided the events of the night. We stood on top of the showmobile and seemed to have all eyes on us. We even were able to have some of our friends waiting beside the stage as they prepared to perform “The Star Spangled Banner” with the ASL club.
Maria and I bantered about holiday topics that ranged from cookies to presents and had an amazing time ringing in the holiday season with all of our friends and family that attended. We kept the crowd in high spirits with little jokes here and there; I even made a joke about my house becoming the Keebler factory when my sister comes home from college. I even got the opportunity to ask Santa if he could bring me a PS4 for Christmas this year—I’ll let you all know how it goes.
The Cheerleaders and Chiefettes put on a spectacular performance as they guided Santa down Park Blvd to the showmobile. Before performing again right in front of the stage, it was certainly different being able to see this year.
Maria and I were given a script but we were allowed to go off the script to keep the crowd excited for the events of the night because, after all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. We were even given scarves as a gift to thank us for helping out. The individuals in charge of running the tree lighting were extremely nice and helpful which made the experience all the worthwhile.
I would like to express my thanks to Mrs. Coyle to giving Maria and me the opportunity to announce this year; the experience was well worth it. I would also like to thank the individuals in charge of running the tree lighting this year for making sure Maria and I were comfortable but giving us the freedom to speak about whatever holiday related topics we wanted.