Red Hook Holds Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Despite Damage From Sandy
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
Hurricane Sandy did not put a damper on Red Hook's annual holiday celebration.
Families cheered as a 14-foot tree, donated by the Chelsea Garden Center, was lit up in Coffey Park Monday evening.
Members of the New York Philharmonic also helped set the tone with holiday tunes.
In spite of widespread damage in the neighborhood, organizers say the nursery's generosity helped keep the tradition alive.
"The community has certainly been through enough and it was a time to just keep on giving," Alice Tapia of the Red Hook Community Justice Center said. "The people who have suffered the most are the same people who are actually giving so I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart."
"I'm very grateful to still be standing here talking to you, and looking forward to the spring," David Protell, owner of the Chelsea Garden Center said. "There's not much we can do about what took place and just look forward to rebuilding and getting back on our feet."
The Chelsea Garden Center and a local book club also pitched in to donate toys and books for neighborhood children.