MoCA L.I.ights Merry and Bright at Congregational Church

That the Congregational Church of Patchogue on Main Street is already a riveting architectural icon is a given. But on Thurs. Dec. 10, Friday Dec. 11 and Saturday Dec. 12, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. it will become a joyous backdrop bathed in magical projections featuring a gingerbread house that emerges along with locals popping in and out of the holiday theme.

Patchogue Arts Council executive director Beth Giacummo-Lachacz, who also serves on the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Holiday Committee and Viper Studios Inc. did it again. This time it’s MoCA L.I.ights Merry and Bright.

“The beauty of this is that it takes place over a few days and draws people in to do shopping and dining as well,” said Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce executive director David Kennedy of the three-minute loop. “This is very festive and fun for families to enjoy.”

Teaser alert: A lively snowball fight between Congregational Church pastor Rev. Dwight Wolter and Mayor Paul Pontieri. Who won? Come and see.

Other local officials make a surprise appearance too.

“We’re doing this for people who may celebrate Christmas, Hannukka, Kwanza, and Festivus for the Rest of us,” said Wolter.

“Mapping is what sets this apart from an everyday projection on a large screen,” explained Giacummo-Lachacz. “This is a 20,000 lumens Panasonic laser projector we’re using. It will give us a bright light on the church because the stone is a brown color.”

Nick Graci, the artist, is the content developer for Viper Studios. Benny Miggs
contributed his time to creating a green screen video. Watch for others besides the mayor and the pastor doing silly things.

But the church isn’t the only treat this weekend. Stroll down, past Art on the
Marquee, then a few blocks to the Carnegie Library to view the Carnival Peace Wall by artist Kelley Bell to view four animated facades.

The Greater Patchogue Chamber Young Professionals raised the donation that paid for the artist at the piece.

“That in combination of Elf On the Shelf has given us one of the most exciting holiday seasons ever,” said Giacummo-Lachacz, “We knew we couldn’t do the ball drop and Winter Wonderland, so this is how we’re ending the season.”