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By Will Bredderman
Brooklyn Daily
The new King of Kings greeted the holiday season with a display of lights.
Freshly annointed Brooklyn Democratic Party Chairman Frank Seddio lit up his address at the corner of Flatlands Avenue and E. 93rd Street with a dazzling Dyker-esque display of Christmas decorations for the 26th time on Dec. 9, carrying on a tradition that the building’s previous owner, Frank Guarino, began in 1963.
The political powerhouse said turnout for the event was down to 800 from 1,500 last year — which he blamed on the damp weather — but claimed that spirits were still high.
“We were a little disappointed by the weather, but we were not disappointed by the cheer of the people there,” said Seddio, who once lived at the residence before converting it into his law office and relocating to Bergen Beach.
Besides perennial favorites like the cast of “Sesame Street” in a revolving Ferris wheel, ice-skating Smurfs, and Stumpy the singing animatronic tree, this year’s adornments featured a four-foot tall, talking, electronic parrot imported from Mexico. Seddio said another highlight of the night was music — which came courtesy of the PS 115 chorus, Mary Queen of Heaven Church choir, and a steel drum band.
The political boss said that the event was an important way of boosting morale in storm-wounded Canarsie.
“We’re hoping the lights bring some cheer to those who have suffered so much,” said Seddio, adding that Sandy spared his building — including the flat section of roof where Santa lands each year.
The jolly old elf himself even made an appearance, and gave away 500 packs of coloring books and candy to kids.
Seddio urged those who stayed home to make a time to check out the the exhibition of Yuletide illumination, which will light up the block every night at 5 pm until Jan. 7.
“It’s an incredible thing to see. You really have to be there firsthand,” the party man said.
Reach reporter Will Bredderman at (718) 260–4507 or e-mail him at wbredderman@cnglocal.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/WillBredderman