The first Friday of December is the traditional kick-off for the Holiday Season in Woodhaven -- and a wonderful weekend of free events kicks off this year's Holiday Season starting next Friday, December 2nd. But before we get to the list of events, we're going to ask you to consider making a small donation to the Annual Christmas Party for the developmentally challenged adults of the Forest Park Aktion Club.
This is one of the nicest events held each year in Woodhaven -- and these folks deeply appreciate every little gift they receive. You should see the smiles on their faces, it will warm your heart --
This year, we are asking for donations of basic needs items -- toothbrushes, toothpaste, aftershave, perfume, combs, brushes, etc. And if you don't have time to go shopping, you can always make a small donation and we'll do the shopping for you. Last weekend, at the meeting of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, we collected about $200 in cash donations and supplies -- putting us at around %50 of what we need.
One simple 5 dollar donation from you will put a smile of the face of one of these kind souls -- please give it some consideration. You can drop it off at the WRBA's Office (84-20 Jamaica Avenue) -- if we're not there, leave it with the Cleaner next door.
Or -- you can bring it with you to Woodhaven's First Annual Christmas Parade Watching Party!
Each year, over two hundred marchers (including a school band and members of the Franklin K. Lane ROTC) march in the Annual Woodhaven Christmas Parade from 96th Street and Jamaica Avenue to Eldert's Lane, outside the gates of Franklin K. Lane. Unfortunately, not too many people come out to see it. It's a shame, because it's a real nice event --
On the morning of the Parade (Saturday, December 3rd) we're having a party at the WRBA Office -- there will be free bagels, rolls, coffee, tea, etc. -- and when the parade passes by, we're going to go outside and cheer them on and make some noise.
Many people complain about the lack of community spirit these days -- well, here's your chance to show some -- and cheer on some people who are showing community spirit by marching in the parade. They should be passing by our office (84-20) around Noon -- we're going to start serving about 10:45. Bring a noisemaker -- and if you don't have one, bring a pot and a spoon and give it a good old-fashioned beating!
The weekend's festivities kick off the night before -- the lighting of Woodhaven's 75-foot Holiday Tree will take place on Friday, December 2nd at 7 PM at the intersection of Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue. Local civic leaders, business owners and elected officials will attend the traditional event, which is sponsored by the Woodhaven Business Improvement District. It's always well-attended and has a very small-town American vibe about it.
There will be numerous costumed characters for the children to enjoy including Rudolph, Frosty, Shrek and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. They will all hang around after the tree lighting to take pictures with children.
The Avenue lights, which have been hung from the elevated train for decades, will also get lit. Can't wait to see how they look on our newly painted El.
On the same evening, the Boy Scouts of Woodhaven -- the same exact chapter of the Boy Scouts that has been continuously operating in Woodhaven since the 1930s -- will be preparing their Holiday Wreaths. You can drop by Emanuel Church (91st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard) on Friday Night to watch them build the wreaths (and to get an early pick) --
The wreaths go for $15 -- and they are gorgeous. Look below to see our wreath from last year, during one of our blizzards. Why go spend money of a cheap wreath at Home Depot when you can support a worthy organization like the Boy Scouts? To order one, call Pam or Walter at 718-296-3877 --
To summarize:
- Friday Night (Dec. 2) Christmas Tree Lighting - 7 PM
- Saturday Morning (Dec. 3rd) Christmas Parade Watching Party (After 10:45 AM)
- Remember to bring a small donation for the Aktion Club and pick up a wreath from the Boy Scouts!
If you have any events you'd like added to the Calendar -- let us know!
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