The rainy weather last Sunday, did not dampen the holiday spirit of Canarsie Brooklyn residents, who looked on in awe as the Seddio Family Holiday Lighting Display lit up the corner of 93 Street and Flatlands Avenue, against loud applause and greetings of Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanza and Merry Christmas.
Frank Seddio, Democratic leader in Brooklyn, and his family members have made this display a tradition in the neighborhood for the past 20 years, dedicating the iconic event each year, to a worthy family. This year the display is dedicated to the memory of Catherine Rosa, late Business Manager of the Canarsie Courier.
Ecumenical faiths blessed the proceedings before Frank Seddio welcomed colleagues and scores of residents, and invited them to view the newest addition of a rabbit in the animal section, and a giant Nutcracker that stands against the house decorated with thousands of lights. A Ferris wheel, etched with flags of the Caribbean, and an animated sign with the Seddio name are among the extraordinary fantasy display.
Politicians joined the Holiday lighting to express greetings. Newly elected Attorney General Letitia James, acknowledged her colleagues, and thanked Frank Seddio and family for the annual spectacle, saying “this is the day we come together to celebrate the festival of lights, ‘our faith, family, and community of Brooklyn and throughout this city in the greatest country on earth,” said James.
Senator Roxanne Persaud, in whose 19th Senatorial District the display stands, echoed the sentiments of James, thanking Mr. Seddio. She thanked residents for coming out in the “showers of blessings”, and wished them “Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, and a prosperous 2019, adding. “I will continue to fight in Albany to make sure our communities in Brooklyn get what they deserve.”
Assemblymember Jamie R. Williams who later donned a Mrs. Claus ensemble to entertain the kids, wished the gathering Happy Holidays and a prosperous 2019. Councilmember Alan Maisel also expressed holiday greetings.
The festive event was highlighted by the cheerful voices of students PS 115, and the Holy Family Church, while young soloist Caylor Boyce’s melodious voice penetrated the night air with a rendition of Grown-Up Christmas List.
Students festively dressed in tutus danced their way into Santa’s heart, and the crowd that cheered on their exciting choreography.
The evening was celebrated with the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus accompanied by elves and cartoon characters, much to the delight of the little ones who, one after the other greeted old Saint Nick with their Christmas list.
