Hoping to build off the success of last year's inaugural holiday ceremonies, the Syosset Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its second-annual Christmas and Chanukah downtown celebration. The festivities will take place at the Astoria Federal Savings Bank Plaza at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Underhill Blvd. on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 4 p.m., rain or shine.

Last year's event went off without a hitch, even though the chamber, which only came into existence in October of 1998, had very little time to organize the celebration.

This time, with an entire year to plan, the chamber and its Holiday Committee is making some very lovely additions that will appeal to the eyes, ears and hearts of holiday visitors.

"This year stands to be more impressive," said Michael Biggiani, a local resident and chairperson of the Holiday Committee. "Not only are we going to have live entertainment, Santa and refreshments, like last year, but this year we're hoping to reach out and offer something to children of need by accepting donations for Toys for Tots."

Chamber President Frank Urso listed several other improvements. Said Urso, "We purchased a speaker system to play music in the downtown village of Syosset ... so that you'll get that holiday atmosphere." The speaker system is a permanent addition that will be used seasonally for a variety of occasions.

Also, said Urso, the entire downtown area will be festooned with 50 decorative banners featuring a snowman and snowflakes drifting across a midnight-blue background.

The Chamber of Commerce is also selling non-seasonal "Welcome to Syosset" banners, to be hung year-round throughout the downtown area, to local merchants. Each banner will bear the Chamber of Commerce logo and the name of its business sponsor.

"The proceeds that we get from that banner gives us the opportunity to buy two more seasonal banners," said Urso. The banners cost $300 for Chamber members; $425 for non-members.

Urso also promises that the streets of downtown Syosset will be brighter this year, with more lights strung about the trees lining Jackson Avenue. "Every year we're trying to do a little bit more," said Urso.

Like last year, the ceremony will culminate in a tree and menorah-lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa Claus via Syosset fire truck. In addition, there will be performances by the Syosset High School jazz band and Adelettes, the Banjo Rascals and the Martha Meredith dance troupe.

Visitors will be offered free hot chocolate as well as discounts to local businesses.

The chamber is expecting numerous public officials to appear, including Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs, Town Supervisor John Venditto, Town Councilwoman-elect Bonnie Eisler, State Senator Carl Marcellino and State Assemblyman David Sidikman.

Anyone interested in donating to Toys for Tots who cannot make it to the ceremony should call Long Island Village Realty at 921-0020. For information on purchasing a "Welcome to Syosset" banner, call Long Island Village Realty at 921-0220 or Owen's Photography at 364-6650.