Pouring Rain But Spirits High For 2014 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony - Wonderful Singing Performances, Santa Claus, And Enthusiastic Crowd - Here Are Some Scenes

For the second year in a row, the rain came pouring down on the Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony but that did not dampen the spirit of the crowd waiting for the lighting of the Tree and the arrival of Santa Claus in front of Blackwell House last Friday evening.

Here's what happened.

The festivities began with Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance Executive Director Owen Johnston, Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Jeff Escobar and Roosevelt Island Operating Corp's (RIOC) Anna Rankin leading the enthusiastic crown in a Holiday Sing-A-Long of Jingle Bells, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and Deck the Halls.



RIOC's Anna Rankin ably performed the master of ceremonies duties under difficult weather conditions. She introduced RIOC's CFO Francis Walton and RIRA President Jeff Escobar who greeted the crowd and extended their best wishes for the Holiday Season.



The Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance then entertained the crowd with Jingle Bell Rock, Frosty The Snowman, Let It Snow, Winter Wonderland and Silver Bells.



Ms. Rankin and the festive crowd then started to look for the Guest Of Honor - Santa Claus



who arrived courtesy of the Red Bus



followed by the countdown and lighting of the Tree.



Despite the bad weather, it was a very nice Roosevelt Island event and now the Tree

is lit.

Good job by RIOC, particularly supplying the tents which provided some comfort from the rain.