Bayside Village BID Hosts Holiday Lighting Ceremony

The Bayside Village Business Improvement District held its annual holiday lighting ceremony at the community's Long Island Rail Road station Monday night.

The event was attended by a number of Bayside residents, civic leaders, religious figures and elected officials, including state Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, D-Bayside, and Councilman-elect Paul Vallone.

"On Chanukah, there is the concept of publicizing the miracle because the message is so important," said Rabbi Yossi Blesofsky, of the Chabad of Northeast Queens. "Chanukah is the festival of light. The light represents the soul that is the essence of every human being."

During the ceremony, the BID's members lit up a Christmas tree and Menorah and attendees munched on snacks provided at the event. Santa Clause dropped by the ceremony to visit with local youngsters.

"It's great to see the lights up and down the boulevard," Vallone said. "This is the best time of year."