Santa Claus Comes To Broadway Via FDNY

Santa Claus arrives at Broadway and 36th Street, Astoria in a FDNY ladder truck.

Santa Claus arrived at the intersection of 36th Street and Broadway for the annual Broadway Astoria Merchants and Professionals Association (BAMPA) tree lighting on Wednesday, December 5 in a New York City Fire Department ladder truck. Santa distributed candy canes to children and listened to their whispered wishes.

BAMPA President George Kitsios introduced state Senator George Onorato and Assemblymember Michael Gianaris to the crowd. They were joined in expressing their best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season by BAMPA Board Chairperson Athena Onorato. The children's choir from Most Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church, in the parking lot of which the tree was set up, performed Christmas carols. The Rev. Father Marcello Latona, pastor of Most Precious Blood and a BAMPA board member, was in attendance, as were Tony Siano, Eli Dowling and Gary Zeppetelli, also BAMPA board members.

Santa listens to a child's wishes for Christmas with (l. to r.): Central Astoria Local Development Coalition Executive Director Marie Torniali, state Senator George Onorato, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris, BAMPA Board Chairperson Athena Onorato and BAMPA President George Kitsios in attendance. Marie Torniali, and Santa. Santa listens to a child's Christmas wishes Marie Torniali waits to present a candy cane from the bag she carries. State Senator George Onorato (l.) and Assemblymember Michael Gianaris welcomed Santa to the tree lighting ceremony.