Holidays in Oyster Bay began its month long run with a parade to the Derby-Hall bandstand in Townsend Park on Sunday, Dec. 5. This year the cast of characters were familiar, only some of the actors were different. For the Holidays in Oyster Bay performance, Santa Claus was played by Jeff Adami, Atlantic Steamer Firefighter. Cathy Sinowitz returned again in her role as Mrs. Claus. She is the Atlantic Steamer recording secretary. Leading the parade was Bob Liebold and as a special guest, his Christmas Goose played by Antonio Ruiz. This year Santa arrived by truck, last year it was by sleigh, but last year there was snow.

This year leading the parade was American Legion members Jack Hutchinson, Commander Al Plumb, Past Commander Joe Oliveri and Eddie Butt. Don Mahanna played his usual role of Legion photographer. The Main Street Association's horse and carriage ride added to the parade fun. The master of ceremonies was Rich Cieciuch, in a tribute to past Christmases. Last year John Canning, Town of Oyster Bay deputy clerk who is involved in a theatrical performance this year, played the role.

Vangie Kohn of Second Impressions N'tiques chaired the event on behalf of both the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Oyster Bay Civic Association with great success. She replaced Charleen Niznik who played the role for the past two years.

Frank Maiorana Jr. of the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company was in charge of the sound system. (Last year Tim Wright handled that specialty.) Girl Scout Troop 22 was giving out hot cider cookies.

Linda Koevary, Oyster Bay High School teacher directed the OBHS Chamber Singers in performing jolly renditions of Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, The First Noel, Come All Ye Faithful, Deck the Halls, Angels We Have Heard on High and a wonderful arrangement of Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, or "Rudy" as they named him. The singing of Deck the Halls was assisted by Dana Galgano and Michelle Morris as the "Fa, la, la chorus." The Chamber singers included: Sveta Bout, Ceallaigh Watts, Sarah Bayer, Kayvon Mesbah, Sassan Mesbah, Danielle Gismondi, Brendan Williams, Justin Maccaro, and Andrew Palczweski.

Mr. Cieciuch reminisced about Oyster Bay and later asked the young people to come up to the bandstand as he followed his family tradition of reading them 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore, written in 1822!"

Then Oyster Bay Town Councilman Chris Coschignano gave the countdown starting at five and the family audience of parents, children, Scouts, students all shouted out four-three-two-one and the tree lights went on, swathing the giant fir with garlands of light.

The village looks beautiful with the store windows painted by local children under the direction of Jamie Archdeacon. Adding to the beauty of the village are the wonderful old Christmas lights that have been restored to their former beauty by six local businessmen: Bob Liebold of Gooseberry Grove; George Melillo of the Clam Bar; Doug Smith of Smith Jewelers; Greg VanDyke; Chris Briggs of Outlaw Motor Sports and John Specce of State Farm Insurance. The men worked in Chris Briggs garage on Harbor Road and at George Melillo's store. Mr. Liebold said they restored 24 of 60 hanging light displays and hung 18 out of 30 banners. "Next year we will have them all up along with some added features."

A few minutes after 5 o'clock Townsend Park was deserted. The crowd had moved on to more holiday celebrations including parties, dinners and watching TV holiday specials.

Ms. Kohn wanted to thank all the people who worked behind the scenes including members of the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce for decorating the gazebo. They include Bob Liebold, Diane Grochocki of State Bank of Long Island and Judy Barnett of the OBCA, as well as Joe Mimmo (with the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company as well as the OBCA), and Tim Wright. "They really came through for me. I want to thank Stop & Shop for providing the wreaths for the gazebo and 100 candy canes to give out. Thanks to Dodds & Eder for providing the garlands for the gazebo and to Bob Liebold for his costume character, the Gooseberry Goose; and to Tony Verrelli for putting out the nativity scene, to Dagmar Karppi for her ideas and thanks to Richie Betz's office and especially to Betty Lewis!"

Monday night, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. (as we went to press) the festivities were scheduled to continue with the menorah lighting on Monday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m., with Rabbi Marvin Demant presiding. The Chanukah menorah lighting also took place at the Derby-Hall Memorial Bandstand on Audrey Avenue.