At long last, downtown is decked.

After many a holiday season that downtown merchants chose to pass up the opportunity to dress up Syosset, the newly-formed local chamber of commerce is orchestrating a decorative plan that will illuminate stores in twinkling lights and hopefully attract passers-by.

Said Frank Urso, Jr., chairman of the decoration committee, "Finally, we took Syosset and made it into a little village area with hanging banners and all the people are noticing for the first time and stopping. And I hope we keep doing this for years to come."

There are already about 60 holiday banners draped along the downtown stores and white lights gleaming around the storefronts. Several telephone poles have also been transformed into candy canes.

"When you come into town, you're going to see a very cheerful [scene]," said Urso.

And what will occur at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 13 will be the topping on the cake or, rather, the angel on the tree. Chamber members and local officials will gather together for a first annual tree and menorah lighting on the grounds of the Astoria Federal Savings Bank on Jackson Avenue.

Judy Jacobs, who initiated the movement to launch the revitalized chamber, will be attending the festivities, lighting the first menorah candle on the first night of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. "I encourage all residents to join us at the Astoria Federal Savings Bank...for the lighting ceremonies." The legislator said that she was overjoyed with how quickly the event was organized, considering the chamber only formed two months ago.

"I cannot believe how this is taking a life of its own," said Jacobs.

The chamber has arranged for entertainment at the lighting ceremony, which features a 30-foot tree. Several young dancers from the Martha Meredith School of Dance will perform, as will a number of musicians, including a four-piece band, a troupe of banjoists and the high school choir.

Urso said the chamber's efforts have already received palpable results. "I just got sent a card from two women, saying thank you for your efforts and time in the chamber of commerce, along with a $50 donation.

According to Urso, the chamber has already managed to raise about $10,000, some of which may go to purchasing a sound system which will amplify Christmas music throughout the village shops.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto will also be present at the ceremonies. Urso complimented Venditto and the town for the manpower offered to the chamber. "The Town of Oyster Bay has been very instrumental in cooperating and supplying people to help us..." said Urso.

According to Urso, approximately 75 downtown merchants have agreed to decorate their storefronts for the holidays.