By David Cruz 

The holiday spirit courses through your friendly, neighborhood business improvement districts with two commercial strips ringing in the Yuletide season in high style.

The Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District and the Fordham Business Improvement District held separate holiday lighting ceremonies these past two weeks, treating kids to gift-wrapped presents while encouraging bargain hunters to shop locally.

“This brings you together,” said Marcia Cameron, executive director of the Jerome Gun-Hill BID. “There’s something in the air.”

Cameron was on hand for the BID’s second annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, fighting frigid temperatures with some Dunkin’ Donuts brew and a Santa Claus hat. She was joined by neighborhood families who brought the kids to the colorful venue loaded with caroling, a visit from Santa Claus, and a glittering Christmas tree, of course.

On Saturday, Nov. 30, also considered Small Business Saturday, volunteers adorned the pine tree at the edge of Risse Street Park with several Christmas ornaments and lights, hitting the switch just after 5 p.m. before dozens of neighbors.  While children posed for photos with Santa, a cheery mistress of ceremonies, La Reina del Barrio, encouraged children to jump on stage for some caroling. She also encouraged neighbors to support the BID, and to “shop locally.”

The tree, just tipping the entrance of the BID, complements the holiday light strands that run several blocks along Jerome Avenue and Gun Hill Road, part of the BID’s borders, which are comprised of 250 stores ranging from mom-and-pops to big banks. “The fact you have the lights on and have a holiday feel, it brings the community together,” said Cameron.

Several days later, the Fordham BID, the largest commercial strip in the borough, kicked off the holiday season with its ninth annual Sparkling the Heart Fordham Holiday Event. La Reina del Barrio hosted the event that featured a performance from Gloria Del Choir, free gifts for several hundred children, and an appearance from Santa Claus, putting off some last-minute preparations for a gathering in Muller Park.

Co-executive Director Daniel Bernstein ushered in the holiday season with a promotional deal, offering shoppers a 10 percent discount to 68 stores along the hilly shopping district.  He also announced extra, private personnel on hand to help keep an eye out from any would-be purse snatchers and thieves.

The pedigree perks are all part of a BID, overseen by the city Small Business Services. The formation of a BID often takes a year, with property owners willing to agree to pay BID assessments that go towards private sanitation and promotional services.