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Vernon Boulevard lights officially lit

Children from PS 78 sing Christmas carols

Dec. 4, 2012 By Christian Murray

The illuminated snowflakes that line Vernon Boulevard were officially lit last night in a holiday lighting ceremony.

The event was held at LICBar partly to celebrate its return from Hurricane Sandy. LICBar and its neighboring business, City Vet, were among the hardest hit establishments in the area—and were without electricity for more than two weeks.

“This year the snowflakes were extended along Vernon Boulevard,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, going from 45th to 50th Avenues.  He said the lights help “uplift the spirit of the community and are great for small businesses,” since they attract people to the Boulevard.

The children from PS 78 kicked off the festivities and put the audience of about 100 people in the holiday spirit. They sang a number of popular Christmas tunes, such as Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls.

Attendees were treated to hot chocolate and cookies–provided by LICBar.

Gayle Baron, the head of the Long Island City Partnership, said that “these have been tough times for businesses and residents alike and we hope that it will brighten up the area.”

The lights were then “officially” lit by Van Bramer and Sheila Lewandowski, the executive director of the The Chocolate Factory, to the delight of the community.

(source: council office)

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