"This is always a good event for us," said Roseanne Sceppo, owner of RoRo's Sweet Street, who could barely keep up with the demand for freshly popped popcorn. "The turnout is really good." Babylon Village turned on the holiday cheer big time the weekend of December 5th with a list of festivities to mark the official start of the holiday season in the Village. It began with the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce's Old- Fashioned Night of Shopping on Friday evening, Dec. 5, complete with Santa arriving in his horse drawn carriage.

Despite the gloom of the current economic climate, shoppers and store owners were all bright with holiday merriment. The sidewalks and stores were packed and street performers exhibited their brand of holiday magic, including Positions Dance Studio students who jazzed to holiday music in a living window display.

"Isn't it great living in a small town and seeing everyone on such a happy occasion. It's warm and welcoming - as Norman Rockwell as you are going to get," said shopper and Village resident Kevin McGaley. Torta Fino Bake Shoppe attracted hordes of sidewalk shoppers looking to satisfy their sweet tooth with a delicious pastry. Proprietor Rick DeStefano, who assumed ownership of the village's landmark bakery Wilhelm's in September, was especially pleased with the crowds and festive atmosphere. "Business is good. This community is great," said DeStefano. Torta Fino pastries and cookies were also the highlight at the Babylon Village Historical Society's Wassail Bowl, held on Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Historical Society museum. Torta Fino generously donated all the goodies, said Judy Skillen, the society's vice president. The Wassail Bowl is another Village tradition that readily attracts visitors for a cup of authentic Victorian hot mulled cider. It followed the annual lighting of the Village Tree in Argyle Park. Shoppers and visitors could also enjoy a bit of yesteryear at the magnificently decorated historic Conklin House on Deer Park Avenue, which was open selected hours during the weekend for viewing. Winners of the Holiday Village Cookie contest were: Buddy and Me - Jenny Fennelli; Junior High School - Devyn Antontini, Morgan Rogers, Miranda Richardson, and Kerry Glenday; High School - John Devin; Adults, Kristin and Chris Cosci. "The events brought shoppers in," said Donna Consola, president of the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce, the business group that organized the Old-Fashioned Night of Shopping. "Everything couldn't have happened better… People had a great time."