[BAY RIDGE] Fleece navidad! Ridgites show off ugly sweaters at Schnitzel Haus shindig

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By Caroline Spivack

Brooklyn Paper

How sweater it is!

Bay Ridgites busted out their zaniest jumpers for an ugly sweater shindig at Schnitzel Haus on Dec. 16, in a festive event that included Christmas karaoke, a pop-up ornament market, and some truly outrageous duds, according to one reveler.

“People came out in some pretty great sweaters, and it really turned into ‘how awesome is your sweater?’ ” said Bensonhurster Tommy Kafkalas, who spun records for the event. “It’s a way to express yourself really, and that initial, ‘Oh my god are you really wearing that?’ is what everyone really wore their sweaters for.”

More than 40 locals packed into the gastropub for the holiday soirée, where they belted out Christmas classics including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” — all while dressed in loud candy-cane cardigans and snowman sweaters.

The party also gave attendees a chance to do some last-minute Christmas shopping at a booth set up by artisanal bauble-maker the Brooklyn Ornament Company — and the local store owner said she had a great time at the holiday spirit with her neighbors, too.

“People really came together and supported each other — whether that’s as a small business owner or a singer,” said Bay Ridgite Alyssa Conigliaro, who runs the tree-trinket company. “It really got people in the holiday spirit.”

Reach reporter Caroline Spivack at cspivack@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260–2523. Follow her on Twitter @carolinespivack.

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[BAY RIDGE] Fleece navidad! Ridgites show off ugly sweaters at Schnitzel Haus shindig : Brooklyn Paper