Business

Holidays on Atlantic Avenue blends community and commerce

December 10, 2013 Heather Chin

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by SB News

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Atlantic Avenue is already known as one of Brooklyns major commercial strips, connecting several neighborhoods, including Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights and Gowanus, but on December 3, it showed off its small town feel, with community children and families gathering for the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.

Sponsored by the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation (AALDC), the ceremony was held outside the Belarusian Church at 401 Atlantic Avenue and brought families together under the theme of Favorite Holiday Songs.

Local merchants played their favorite songs, while children from P.S. 38 and local kiddie band Rolie Polie Guacamole sang, Dancewave performed, and Santa Claus greeted children.

The tree lighting ceremony was also an opportunity for the AALDC to announce the winners of the annual Holiday Window Design Competition: a tie between neighbors Floral Heights (107 Atlantic Avenue) and Nest Egg Kids (109 Atlantic Avenue).

Second Place went to Dig (479 Atlantic Avenue), Third Place went to Hollow Nickel (494 Atlantic Avenue), and Honorable Mentions were given to La Flor del Paraiso Restaurant (491 Atlantic Avenue) and Sahadis Fine Foods (187 Atlantic Avenue).

Winners were chosen by local art and business leaders, and will each receive free table space at next years Atlantic Antic street festival.

[The tree lighting] is our organization’s way to support the local community through cultural enrichment, explained AALDC Executive Director Tammy Ben-Eliezer-Baxter. [The window design contest] promotes local businesses and attracts shoppers to view the windows, while shopping and dining on Atlantic Avenue.