Fallen tree blocks sidewalk along Avenue B in Tompkins Square Park

Photos by Stacie Joy 

We received several reader reports of an uprooted tree yesterday in Tompkins Square Park (h/t Steven), along the Avenue B fence between Eighth Street and Ninth Street. 

There were no reports of injuries. 

As of this afternoon, the downed tree was still blocking the sidewalk along Avenue B.

Scenes from tonight’s 34th annual Tompkins Square Park tree lighting

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

The 34th annual tree lighting in Tompkins Square Park took place tonight, continuing one of the East Village's enduring December traditions. 

This year's event, held from 4–5 p.m., was once again sponsored by C&B Cafe and featured the Carolers of Olde New York from Theater for the New City, who filled the park with seasonal favorites. Veselka provided refreshments, helping keep things warm as neighbors gathered around the tree. 

An enduring staple of December in the neighborhood — and a reminder that some East Village traditions are still going strong...

... And some more scenes...

Sunday's opening shot

Tompkins Square Park in the light snowfall this morning (accumulation anywhere from 2-5 inches in the NYC area) ... the snow is expected to taper off by noon, with the sun eventually making an appearance... perhaps some of the snow will stick around for the tree lighting here today from 4-5 p.m.

Saturday's parting shot

Photo by Derek Berg 

Caroling in Tompkins Square Park today...

Sunday's parting shot

Photo by Stacie Joy 

The 34th annual tree lighting in Tompkins Square Park is scheduled for next Sunday, Dec. 14, from 4-5 p.m. 

Ahead of that, Parks workers were putting lights on our delightfully askew tree this afternoon

Instagram post of the day

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A post shared by Steve Birnbaum (@thebandwashere)

Tuesday's opening shot

There's apparently an issue with the thermostat in the new sauna in Tompkins Square Park...

OK, they were just power-washing some graffiti off the outside of the men's room. 

Meanwhile, there's a lousy weather forecast for today (Dec. 2). Per Accuweather: "Drenching rain; some snow can mix in early; heavy rain can cause localized flooding and slow travel." 

The sun returns tomorrow...

When is the tree lighting in Tompkins Square Park this year?

The question we've been asked about now that Thanksgiving is over: the 34th annual tree lighting in Tompkins Square Park is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 14, from 4-5 p.m. 

The event this year is once again sponsored by C&B Cafe and features the Carolers of Olde New York from Theater for the New City, along with refreshments from Veselka ... an enduring staple of December in the neighborhood.

Thanksgiving day view of Tompkins Square Park

Photo by Stacie Joy

Friday's opening shot

Along the Ninth Street pathway in Tompkins Square Park this morning... enjoying the foliage while we still have it. 

And if you don't like foliage, then move back to...

Friday's opening shot

A pre-8 a.m. view of Tompkins Square Park today. 

On this Friday, expect some sun before the clouds arrive. High of 60. 

AccuWeather says tomorrow will be the "best day of the weekend" with a drizzle-rain combo expected Sunday, making that the best time slot not to tell anyone you're going to see "Predator: Badlands."

Thursday's parting shot

Photo by Stacie Joy 

A post-storm scene in Tompkins Square Park late this afternoon (the Halloween stuff was there before; it did NOT blow in with the wind).

Sunday's parting shot

Photo by Stacie Joy 

Ceremonial burning of some DJT toilet paper in Tompkins Square Park late this afternoon...

Free compost giveaway in Tompkins Square Park this Sunday

The LES Ecology Center is celebrating Tompkins Square Park with a free compost giveaway on Sunday. 

Per the invite: Stop by to bag your own finished compost and learn how it's used to help steward the park. 

The Center will provide the compost, shovels and wheelbarrows (sounds like the start of a horror film) ... just bring your own containers or a cart to take home as much as you'd like. 

Enter the park through the Seventh Street entrance between Avenue A and Avenue B and follow the signs to the compost pile. 

Registration is recommended here. The event runs until 1 p.m. — or until the compost pile is gone.

Monday's parting shot

View of a rainswept Tompkins Square Park this evening (and no sign of any downed branches)...

Sunday's parting shots

Photos by Steven 

As seen in Tompkins Square Park today... and a little later...

Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade returns for its 35th year on Oct. 19

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is back this fall, marking its 35th year on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 1–4 p.m.

This year's event will feature a parade along Avenue B and a limited-entry costume competition. Advance registration is required to participate in both, and it opens on Oct. 6 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Four dogs from Pup Starz, Social Tees and the ASPCA will serve as Parade Grand Marshals, spotlighting the importance of adoption. The day will also include a festival block for participants on Sixth Street between Avenue B and Avenue C, where sponsor Stella & Chewy's will be handing out treats for four-legged guests. 

The parade is organized by New York Dog Parade, a nonprofit founded by author and canine columnist Fern Watt ("below, and with the dog parade team). 

Organizers say they've been working with local groups and city agencies on safety measures and crowd-control strategies, with expanded programming planned for both dogs and humans.

The event is free to attend. Volunteers are also needed; those interested can email volunteer@nydogparade.org. 

For updates, visit nydogparade.org or follow @nydogparade on Instagram.

Monday's parting shot

Photo by Jose Garcia 

A moment today at the Tompkins Square Park pigeon dog run...

Summer's parting shots

Last day of summer... and some scenes from Tompkins Square Park this past week...

A new in-ground pool is in the works for Tompkins, but no one knows when. Was this the last summer for the mini pool?

Noted

Thanks to Sonya for the photo outside Tompkins Square Park today... background here if you really want to know.