13th Avenue Merchants Association holds annual tree lighting

Choirs sang. Children danced on the streets. A tree was decorated. It’s that time again. The 13^th Avenue Merchants Association held its annual tree lighting on December 2. Neighbors, children, politicians, FDNY and NYPD all gathered for the same purpose: to spread holiday cheer.

“It’s wonderful. There’s a warm, beautiful feeling here for the Christmas season,” said Dyker Heights resident Lorraine Ardito who was attending the event for the first time.

The Dyker Singers, who range from 50 to 90 years old, were on hand to perform several holiday classics. “It was absolutely great. Thank God that the weather held up,” said member and treasurer of the group, Terry Miranda. “We are part of Community Outreach. We rehearse at the library. We also have a holiday performance at the Dyker Library on December 18.” In addition to the choir, a DJ was on hand to play a few Christmas tunes.

Throughout the evening, Co- President of the 13^th Avenue Merchants Association Dominick Sarta thanked everyone involved with the event, especially the youngsters. “Thank you to all the kids who came out here. It’s all about them,” he stressed. “Everything we always do. That’s what the holiday season is about, bringing family together. And that’s what Dyker Heights and 13th Avenue are about. We’re one big family.”

Also in attendance to address the crowd were State Senator Mary Golden and Councilmember Vincent Gentile. “The 13^th Avenue Merchants have done a great job all year long,” said Gentile. “What better place to start the Christmas season than right here on 13^th Avenue with a great tree.”

“We’re here to celebrate not only Christmas but to give our kids and our families a great opportunity to come out and to express their great anxiousness waiting for the holiday season,” Golden added. “It’s about a great community and that community is made up of children and families that make it as great as they are.”

The two politicians also encouraged residents to shop local this holiday season. “Don’t go to big department stores. 13^th Avenue has everything you want. It’s Brooklyn’s main street,” Gentile said.

“13th Avenue is probably one of the strongest avenues in our community. It’s got some of the finest stores,” Golden concurred.

Once the countdown concluded, cheers spread throughout the block, as the DJ played “God Bless America.”

Nick Botte of Fresh Cuts donated the tree and was happy about the event. “It’s great,” he said. “This is what the community needs. This is our second year donating a tree. I do it for the kids and the family. I don’t do it for the notoriety. I want them to be happy.”