The Bellport Village annual parade and tree lighting took place on Saturday, Dec. 7, attracting over 1,000 people, who gathered along the parade route and on the Village Green to witness the arrival of Santa.

The festivities comprised a wide-ranging gathering of community members, clubs and organizations, including members from The Boys and Girls Club of Bellport, the Bellport, Hagerman and Brookhaven fire departments, The South Country Ambulance Company, The Bellport Bay Yacht Club/Sailing Foundation, and The Bellport Chamber of Commerce.

Other participants included a holiday choir and dance team from Bellport High School and Bellport Middle School. Students from the high school Interact Club and Mathematics Honor Society were also on hand and they collected best estimates as to how many chocolate kisses were in a large jar that they had on display.  Avino’s Italian Table restaurant participated by offering free hot chocolate.

In addition, The Bellport Teacher’s Association offered a large selection of free books to all the children, who had the opportunity to write letters to Santa, which they then placed in the mailbox in the gazebo to be sent to the North Pole.

Upon Santa’s arrival, a large white lever was pulled by the children and the community Christmas tree at Village Hall was illuminated.

When asked what she enjoyed most about the festivities, Bellport Village mayor Maureen Veitch said that having the community gather to celebrate the holiday season as a community is most rewarding. She credits members of the Bellport Village Hall staff—led by Christine Novelli, Tara Crane and Katie Mehrkens—and members of the Bellport Village Department of Public works for their passionate and dedicated attention to all the details, planning and decorating. 

Santa’s mailbox will remain on the gazebo opposite the Community Center on Bell Street, so that children can continue to mail their letters directly to Santa.