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O Christmas tree! Chase Creek lighting celebrates 42 years

By Ambrose Clancy

Santa came to Shelter Island a little early to help help light the Chase Creek Christmas Tree on Friday evening. (Credit: Adam Bundy)

One of the most delightful Shelter Island Christmas traditions is the setting up and lighting of the Christmas tree in the middle of Chase Creek that brings beauty to dark December nights.

On Friday, Dec. 12, the tradition endured for the 42nd second year. 

It all began a few days earler, when Rich Surozenski, Bill Cummings and Bill’s dog Jesse climbed into an aluminum rowboat and rowed to the middle of Chase Creek towing a Christmas tree. The tree, mounted on a floating platform, was secured and ready for the lighting.

Rich Surozenski secures the tree while Bill Cummings keeps the boat steady with crew chief Jesse overseeing it all. (Credit: Adam Bundy)

Islanders gathered at Volunteer Park on Bridge Street for hot chocolate and cookies on Friday evening, waiting for Santa to arrive. We’ll have more on this site and in our Christmas print edition on Dec. 18.

Santa and Ms. Claus greeting Islanders on Bridge Street. (Credit: Adam Bundy)

Ambrose Clancy

Ambrose Clancy has been the editor of the Shelter Island Reporter since 2012. He’s worked as a staff reporter for The North Shore Sun, the Southampton Press and was associate editor of the Riverhead News-Review and an editor at Long Island Business News.

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