All things were in abundance at the Ocean Beach Fire Department (OBFD) Annual Tree Lighting and Potluck Dinner on Saturday night, December 16, 2023 – goodwill, cheer, and food – plenty of food as neighbors gathered not just from Ocean Beach, but our neighbors in Ocean Bay Park, Cherry Grove as well as Fire Island communities due west.
Festivities began shortly after sundown with a visit from Santa escorted by an OBFD detail riding a compliment of assorted bedazzled fire vehicles who made sure to drive down every street block to greet the local children and their families.
Then came the tree lighting on the Village Green that shore brighter than ever, thanks in part to the Ocean Beach Chamber of Commerce decorating many of the storefronts in the Holiday spirit as well this season. In addition, Christmas caroling was led by former OBFD Fire Chief, now Ocean Beach Village Trustee Ian Levine.
Then everyone headed east to the OBFD Fire Hall where a sumptuous spread awaited, all served up by the dedicated OBFD volunteer crew. Some of us prepared dishes in our own kitchens, while others came from their mainland homes for the weekend with bakery boxes in hand from far-flung locations.
It was a good-sized crowd. Many remarked the largest one since the pandemic first cast its shadow. Continuity is the glue that binds us here on Fire Island.
