Performances included American Idol Contestant Christian Guardino, Uniondale High School Show Choir, and America’s Got Talent Contestant Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti
Sands New York welcomed over 2,000 Long Islanders for a “Season of Sparkle” at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on the evening of Monday, December 4th. The event featured the live lighting of a 60-foot Christmas Tree alongside a Hanukkah Menorah and a Kwanzaa Kinara to officially usher in the holiday season on Long Island. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Legislator Thomas McKevitt, and Deputy Supervisor and Senior Councilwoman for the Town of Hempstead Dorothy Goosby were on site to help signal the lighting countdown.
“This is what Sands is all about,” said Robert Goldstein, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands. “We believe in making meaningful contributions to the communities we operate in. Public events like this, with high-quality entertainment, are just one of the ways we engage our local communities – and when we open the Sands New York property, we look forward to hosting many more celebrations. We are extremely grateful to have so many our of new neighbors here to join in the fun, and we wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday!”
The holiday extravaganza featured performances from America’s Got Talent Contestant Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, American Idol Contestant Christian Guardino, Uniondale High School Show Choir, Emcee Carl and his Holiday Elves, and Cuban Entertainer Osmay Calvo with his 13 Piece Band. Children and families also enjoyed visits from Buddy the Elf, Princess Elsa, the Grinch, a live human Christmas Tree, and of course, Santa himself.
“It’s great to see so much of the community turn out for this event. Coming together is exactly what this time of year is all about it and was wonderful to see our very own Uniondale Show Choir take the stage alongside the other talented acts,” said Mariano Ugalde, President of the Uniondale Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to coming back to enjoy many more Sands New York events here in Nassau County!”
All attendees received a free food voucher to turn in at any of 10 different food trucks, with options ranging from poutine to lobster rolls, to waffles and zeppoles. The event also included holiday mini golf, festive 360 degree and holiday-themed photo opportunities, a live ice carving, face painting, and more.
The 2-day event was kicked off on Sunday, December 3rd with a Toys-for-Tots toy drive, in partnership with the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Throughout both days of the event, new, unwrapped toys were collected to donate to economically disadvantaged children on Long Island.