Canarsie holiday display honors late Thomas Seddio

Canarsie holiday display honors late Thomas Seddio|Canarsie holiday display honors late Thomas Seddio|Canarsie holiday display honors late Thomas Seddio
Photo by Tangerine Clarke|Photo by Tangerine Clarke|Photo by Tangerine Clarke

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio dared the community to find another homestead in Brooklyn with more decorations than that of Frank Seddio Esp., who for the past 45 years has brought holiday magic to the corner of E 93rd Street and Flatlands Avenue, in Canarsie, Brooklyn.

“This is a beautiful example of what we love about NY City and what we have to cherish and always protect. These are people come from every background and every faith, all together as a community to teach the world that we found a way to get along very well,” said Mayor de Blasio, who brought holiday greetings to the 2017 Seddio Family Holiday Display on Dec. 3, where scores of residents gathered to witness the unveiling of the spectacle of lights.

“Frank is someone in Brooklyn who brings people together. Let us remember our values as New Yorkers, we believe and support each other, that is why New York is a special place and a beacon to the world, we support each other,” said de Blasio, thanking Frank Seddio for his continued support, to the community.

The children and grandchildren of the Thomas Seddio flipped the switch to light up the 2017 Holiday Display in dedication to the late brother of Frank Seddio. This custom honors persons who have made significant contribution to the community, such as deceased Guyanese-born Detective Randolph Holder who received the honor in 2015, and Brooklyn District Attorney, Ken Thomas, in 2016.

More than 100,000 lights shone down on the joyous occasion where politicians gathered to wish the Seddio family and hundreds of gleeful spectators – Happy Holidays, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza and Merry Christmas.

From Senator Roxanne Persaud to Assemblywoman Jaime R. Williams, Public Advocate Letitia James, NYC Comptroller Scott Springer, Council Member Alan Maisel and Sue Ann Partnow, District 59 Democratic Leader, among others.

The melodious voices of the students of PS 115, rang out with Christmas carols as the Waverly Sounds Steel pan orchestra of PS 156 belted out tunes to welcome the season, before Santa Clause and Mrs. Claus accompanied by giant Disney characters made their appearance against the backdrop of more that 100,000 glistening lights, giant mechanical animated dolls.

The diversity of the community was represented by flags that adorned a carousel rode by teddy bears, as the Ferris wheel of multi-colored lights, and a giant Hot Air Balloon with the Seddio name floats on a zip-line from side to side across the width is the majestic house of lights.

Each of the displays including Santa’s Workshop showcases different holiday celebrations. A Petting Zoo in the front yard of the homestead attracted scores of children who delighted in feeding calves and horses, in this extraordinary display valued at more than $300,000.

Frank Seddio, the Kings County Democratic Party Chair, every year, puts on his animation elf hat, and delights in this spectacular Holiday Display that brings joy and warmth to his neighborhood, and the many who travel far and near, to behold.