While Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio is the political boss of Brooklyn, he is first and foremost a lifelong passionate Canarsie community resident, local attorney, former police officer and assembly member and civic leader.
A case in point was last night’s annual Seddio family opening of their annual holiday display at their old homestead in Canarsie at the corner of Flatlands Avenue and East 93rd Street.
The magnificent collage of lights, animated figures and talking animatronics has been a Brooklyn tradition since 1963 attracting visitors from around the borough and the city. And yesterday’s event drew hundreds of people, a majority being children of all races, ethnicities and religions highlighting the best of what Brooklyn represents.
This year’s display is in honor of the late Detective Randolph Holder, who was a resident of Mill Basin and was shot to death in the line of duty in October while patrolling in Harlem. Members of his family were on hand and pushed the magic button that lit up the display. Valued at over $350,000 the display includes over 500,000 lights, almost 100 animated dolls, a talking Christmas tree; a four foot parrot who sings tells jokes and captures the hearts of all who hear him as well as an animatronic winter wizard straight out of Disney World.
Each of eight display areas identifies a different holiday celebration. Santa’s workshop, which includes eight shiny reindeer, elves making toys and Santa himself.
Watch the SMURFS, as they ice skate across the front lawn with Papa Smurf and Smurfette as the star attractions, dancing to Holiday songs.
A visit with the Van Deer’s enjoying Christmas Day is second only to Mickey and Minnie Mouse joined by a host of Disney characters decorating the Christmas tree, nicknamed “Stumpy,” an eight-foot computer generated animatronic tree which vocalizes holiday songs and tells jokes.
A life size nativity features figures imported from Milan, Italy built into a crèche, which includes on opening night, live animals to delight the children as they feed the donkeys, rabbits, llamas and others.
International and multi cultural in flavor, vignettes also depict Chanukah and Kwanza celebrations.
The opening night festivities also featured musical renditions by local groups as well as a live Santa, elves and a dozen costumed characters. Choral renditions were provided Public School 115 chorus and the choir of Mary Queen of Heaven. While the evening was all about community, many of Brooklyn’s elected officials were also on hand for the celebration.
Among those KCP saw at the event were Canarsie local elected officials including Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, State Sen. Roxanne Persaud and City Councilman Alan Maisel.
Others included Public Advocate Letitia James, Assembly Members Walter Mosley (who attended with his wife and children), Diana Richardson (who attended with her son) and Latrice Walker. Among the City Council Members seen at the event included Robert Cornegy (with his wife and children), Laurie Cumbo and Mark Treyger.
Also at the event were several Brooklyn judges and almost all of the Democratic Assembly District leaders – too many to list for fear of forgetting to name them all.
