Atlantic Avenue tree-lighting ceremony set for Dec. 3

November 25, 2013 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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On Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation (AALDC) will once again host its Annual Atlantic Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony and festivities at the Belarusian Church at 401 Atlantic Ave., Boerum Hill.

This year’s event is being made possible by sponsorship from Con Edison and Investors Bank and is free and open to the public.

While doing your holiday shopping this year, you can also sing and dance your way along Atlantic Avenue to the theme of favorite holiday songs. This year, merchants from the waterfront to Fourth Avenue are encouraged to play their favorite holiday tunes and to include the theme in their holiday window designs.

The annual tree lighting ceremony is a popular holiday event bringing neighbors, families, merchants and local representatives together from the various neighborhoods along the avenue.

Councilmember Stephen Levin (D-Brooklyn Heights/Downtown), whose office is located on Atlantic Avenue, will officiate the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Other local representatives and special guests will also be present, including the judges of the Atlantic Avenue window design competition, who will announce this year’s winners. Santa Claus will make a guest appearance to participate in the festivities, greet children and receive their letters.

Back by popular demand, Rolie Polie Guacamole, the award-winning Brooklyn-based children’s band, will engage the audience with their popular tunes.

Dancewave’s Rachel Easton, Celinna Haber and Chandra Kelly will perform their title piece TRIO, with accompanying music by Balkan Beatbox. Children from P.S. 38 will perform holiday songs and a dance piece.

Children’s gifts will be collected as part of Councilmember Levin’s toy and book drive for children living in Gowanus Houses and Independence Towers. Please bring a gift-wrapped new toy or book and mark the wrapping with the appropriate age and gender.

Complimentary holiday treats and refreshments will be provided by local Atlantic Avenue restaurants and shops, including the Moxie Spot, Sahadi’s, Betty Bakery, Pete’s Waterfront Ale House, Key Food and Moon Organic Café.

As far as the window design competition is concerned, the judges will meet on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. at Hollow Nickel at 494 Atlantic Ave. (between Nevins Street and Third Avenue) and walk the avenue from Fourth Avenue to the waterfront to view store windows.

This year’s windows will be judged by prominent representatives of local entertainment and cultural organizations and personalities: Diane Jacobowitz (founder and artistic director of Dancewave), Terence Kelly (community affairs manager for Barclays Center), Mac Premo (artist and commercial director), Strafe (composer, producer and musician) and Dexter Wimberly (art curator).

The mission of the AALDC is to further economic development, historic preservation, and cultural enrichment in the greater Atlantic Avenue area.