5-YEAR-OLD THROWS SWITCH

BP MARKOWITZ, 5-YEAR-OLD AMAIYA DAVIS OF BUSHWICK THROW SWITCH AND LIGHT BOROUGH HALL CHRISTMAS TREE 

On Tuesday, December 8, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and five-year-old Amaiya Davis of Bushwick, threw the switch and illuminated the nearly 40-foot-tall Christmas tree in Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza--which Time Out New York has hailed as one of the City's trees "worth seeking out on a cold winter's night." The balsam fir from Canaan, Vermont, will sparkle with holiday colors each night through the holiday season. Also joining the festivities was Santa himself, handing out toys and gifts to hundreds of children. Musical performances were provided by Elixer Opera and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. 

"I know I speak for Brooklynites of all faiths when I say it's impossible not to be moved by the stunning beauty of a fully-lit Christmas tree and its message of peace--especially when it stands tall above the greatest city in the world¾Brooklyn, USA," said BP Markowitz. "Living in Brooklyn is truly a gift, and when we light the tree at Borough Hall, it's our gift to Brooklyn and New York City." 

Photos by Kathryn Kirk 

In photo (left to right, back): Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham; BP Markowitz; Martha Hirst, commissioner, New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services; Jules Spiegel, Brooklyn Parks Commissioner; Assembly Member Joan Millman. In front: Amaiya Davis