Queens Gazette

Clauses Visit Astoria





A child proudly holds her new book as a younger sibling watches the proceedings from Santa's knee and Mrs. Claus lends a helping hand.

A child proudly holds her new book as a younger sibling watches the proceedings from Santa’s knee and Mrs. Claus lends a helping hand.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus made their annual pre-holiday visit to Astoria last Monday at the intersection of Broadway and Steinway Street. Arriving in separate but equally elegant style, Santa and his Mrs. were greeted with cheers from kids and parents who were eagerly awaiting their arrival.

The event started at 4:30 p.m. with the lighting of the Christmas Tree and Menorah to herald the beginning of the holiday season. Master of Ceremonies Julian Wager, president of the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC), led the countdown and welcomed everyone to the event. While awaiting Santa’s arrival, local elected officials including Assemblymember Marge Markey, City Councilmembers Peter Vallone Jr., and Eric Gioia and Maggie McKeon, aide to Assemblymember Michael Gianaris, extended holiday greetings to the crowd and encouraged everyone to shop Astoria for the holidays. Inspector Brian McCarthy, commanding officer of the 114th Police Precinct, and Queens Library Board of Trustees Member George L. Stamatiades, Library Director of Community Affairs James van Bramer and Queens Library Director Thomas Galante were also in attendance. Galante said it was great to see the children receiving books from Santa and encouraged them all to get library cards.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at 5 p.m. to welcoming cheers from the crowd. The children lined up along the block, waiting their turn to go up on stage and get a book, whisper their wishes to Santa and have their pictures taken.

Santa’s visit was sponsored by CALDC in conjunction with the Steinway Street Business Improvement District, the Broadway Merchants & Professionals Association, the 30th Avenue Business Association and the 36th Avenue Merchants, with the cooperation of the Queens Library. The event was funded in part by Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. through a grant from the city Department of Small Business Services.

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