Each year residents of Canarsie gather to appreciate the festive holiday season. As a yearly tradition continuing for over 50 years, Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio opens his office and his heart to the neighborhood with his holiday lights and decorations.
Originated by Frank Guarino in the late ’60s, Seddio took over when he purchased the house in the ’80s. Located at the intersection of Flatlands Avenue and East 93rd Street in Brooklyn, Seddio told Kings County Politics, “When Frank Guarino passed, I made it a point to take over and make him proud by keeping his memory alive the way he would want it. He was like a father and a mentor to me.” Seddio would like for this to be his legacy when he is gone.
Merriments began with a tribute to Josephine Bolus, a life-long resident of Canarsie who died on July 25th of this year. Bolus and her husband Henry were part of the 69th precinct community council, the Canarsie lions, and she was credited for all the work she accomplished for the Memorial Day parade that takes place in Canarsie for the past 15 years. Her husband showed his gratitude to the community by launching the lights with a press of a button.
State officials such as Senator Kevin Parker, City Council Members Brad Lander and Alan Maisel, and State Attorney General Letitia James all showed their support by attending and expressing their well wishes to the community. A children’s choir provided by Public School 115 serenaded the crowd with holiday songs, and an ensemble from Holy Family Church sang Christmas Carols.
With more than 100 animated dolls and over 50,000 lights, you’ll make certain to catch Mickey and his companions as they skate across the ice, Santa’s workshop, and his elves manufacturing toys while Santa recites the night before Christmas, and a carousel full of reindeer. The display is kept diverse, and they have a section for Chanukah and a section for Kwanza for everyone to enjoy. Seddio admits that each year, it expands with more characters; this year, Pinocchio was added to the family. You can still view pieces from the early 70’s.
Santa Claus and friends ended the night by taking photos with the children, listening to what they would like for Christmas, and handing out gifts. It was a magical night delighted by all.
2020 will be an exciting year as Seddio revealed to the crowd that they would be participating in WABC’s “The Great Light Fight” next year. Seddio and his team are hoping to win the trophy. You’ll have to wait until next year to find out. This year, you can stop by and admire the display.
Happy Holidays!
