West End Lights Up for the Holidays

Let there be light — holiday lights — in the West End.

That call was answered when members of the Historic West End Business Association, Ancient Order of Hibernians and Long Beach Chamber of Commerce gathered with residents to celebrate the holidays with a tree lighting ceremony followed by festivities at the Saloon restaurant-bar on Monday.

The Christmas tree shines bright on Ohio Avenue and decorative lights were installed along West Beech Street. Both are part of a beautification project initiated by the Historic West End Business Association.

Sean Schaefer, an attorney with the West End law firm Peknic, Peknic & Schaefer who represents the association, welcomed the crowd, thanking the AOH, the West End merchants, Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford and the City of Long Beach, all of whom helped to make the lighting and beautification project a reality. 

James Lynch of the Walk’s Association and Rich Hoffman, president of the West End Neighbors Civic Association, who worked to see the project to fruition, were also on hand to celebrate.

The Saloon’s garden filled with children waiting to visit with Santa, who arrived on a Long Beach Fire Department fire engine truck. Hot chocolate and cookies, arts and crafts, face painting and photos with Santa all created a festive atmosphere.

“The West End is a vibrant place to live and work,” Schaefer said. “We invite everyone to do their holiday shopping here and to visit some of the incredible restaurants and other establishments along West Beech Street.”