This past Saturday, Sayville welcomed the holiday season with a day filled with festive activities. Miracle on Main Street, a staple in the community hosted by the Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce, celebrated its 18th year by bringing holiday cheer to all.
Preparations began early that morning, and the day kicked off with the annual Holiday Parade, where many local organizations and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus, made their way down Main Street. Parade participants were dressed in festive clothing and creative costumes, such as elves, carolers, and reindeer. Parade spectators were treated to unique and fun holiday floats, such as an inflatable snow globe and a sleigh with delivery packages.
Following the parade, everyone was encouraged to experience the newly added Winter Wonderland and visit the many businesses along Main Street. Shoppers took advantage of the “Shop Small” Trolley Specials, which ran on a loop, making 16 stops. The businesses at each trolley stop offered everything from discounts to complimentary items, foods, and services.
The Winter Wonderland was a perfect opportunity for families to experience the magic of Miracle on Main during the day. There were a variety of activities for all to enjoy. Families waited in a long line to ride a beautiful classic carousel. Children took photos with popular fictional characters such as Anna and Elsa from “Frozen.” People also tried their hand at ice skating.
Throughout the day and evening, there were lines to get a photo with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s elves.
As the sun set, ending the beautiful day, it was time for Miracle on Main Street and the tree lighting. Stretching from Sparrow Park down Main Street were food vendors with long lines, offering everything from pizza to hot pretzels, to comfort carnival food and even pickles on a stick.
Many stood in line along Main Street to see the entries for this year’s Gingerbread House Competition. Parents and children sat or stood in a semicircle to watch “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” on a large projector screen. Large crowds gathered around a train set provided by The Railroad Museum of Long Island. Children lined up to play in a bouncy house shaped like a snow globe and another shaped like a holiday cabin.
Down the sidewalks were ice sculptures. All the sculptures were built with care and intricate detail. However, the most notable ice sculpture, which read “Hope,” was displayed directly in front of the buildings impacted by the fire that devastated business owners and the entire Sayville community. Next to the sculpture stood a Sayville Strong sign that read:
“All of you are amazing for facing this with so much courage and hope. We can’t wait to have all of you back on Main Street Again.”
The sign served as a reminder of Sayville’s resilience and how strong the community truly is.
After grabbing a candle from the candle stop, everyone made their way over to Sparrow Park for the tree lighting. Hailey D’Ambrosio sang the national anthem, followed by a performance from local music artist Camryn Quinlan, who carolers from South Bay Arts then joined. Once the musical performances were over, Sayville Chamber of Commerce immediate past president Eileen Tyznar, along with president Ron Trotta, took to the stage to share a few words.
Trotta spoke first. He thanked the chamber board, event chair Tyznar, her co-chair Chris Olsen, and all the small businesses that contributed to the community throughout the entire year. He ended by saying, “Just take a moment this year to enjoy something that you appreciate all the time.”
Just before the countdown, Tyznar encouraged the crowd to shout “Sayville Strong” on the count of three. Her goal was for everyone to shout loudly so that the Sayville Running Company and Hammer & Stain could hear from down the street. Everyone shouted as loud as they could, representing the heart of Sayville.
Families, friends, and couples had an opportunity to take photos and selfies in front of the recently lit tree, which was decorated with bright, colorful lights and ornaments that could be seen from all the way down the street.
Following Miracle on Main Street and Small Business Saturday, Tyznar shared how it felt to see everything come together after months of hard work. “Seeing all the community come together and really support all the business owners, especially the ones that need it right now, was very moving and inspiring. It felt like there was so much hope and positivity, and it felt really good to have some of that back on Main Street.”
She also spoke about the countdown and how she asked the crowd to say “Sayville Strong.” “It was emotional. There was such a crowd, and they all said it. It sounded like music to our ears. It was beautiful.”
Sayville coming together to make memories, create new traditions, and support each other is the true magic of Miracle on Main Street.
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