This celebration consisted of lighting up the menorah on the first of eight nights of Hanukkah. This year residents not only got to be a part of the menorah lighting, but got to see the ice sculptor actually sculpt the ice menorah before the celebration started.
The celebration was officiated by Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz of Chabad of Yonkers and was joined by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Ridge Hill General Manager Andrew Hardy, Assemblywoman, Shelley Mayer, Yonkers City Council President, Liam J. McLaughlin, former Yonkers City Council President, Chuck Lesnick and Yonkers City Councilman, Michael Sabatino.
"We have a nice crowd here tonight," Ridge Hill General Manager, Andrew Hardy said.
Shelley Mayer, NYS Assemblywoman was also part of the festivities.
"It's wonderful to have this ice sculpture and this opportunity to celebrate Chanukkah here at Ridge Hill," she said. "Rabbi Hurwitz is a guiding force here in Yonkers and we appreciate that he is trying to unify the community. We need more of that."
"This Festival of Lights at Ridge Hill combines good music, good food and adds to the experience of shopping during the holidays. Chanukkah is a fun holiday to be with your family and friends." said former Yonkers City Council President, Chuck Lesnick.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano was also on hand.
"December is a month to celebrate our faith and to be together with our families," he said. "Yonkers has clearly seen a rebirth in the retail industry in Yonkers between Ridge Hill and Cross County Shopping Centers. We are the new retail capital in Westchester."
Susan Matlin who came to the celebration for Chanukkah with her daughter Brianna Matlin said that even though the weather wasn't great, she comes every year and enjoys it.
"This event is always great and this year this ice sculpture is absolutely beautiful," she said. It's a one-of-a-kind and unique."
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