Tree Lighting Brings Fun and Culture
Dec 18, 2015 12:00AM ● By By Elise Spleiss
At the end of a long night, Santa and his elf found a few moments to grant one more photo opportunity for his fans. From left to right: Logan Bruins, Cainan Ortiz, Lauri Casazza (standing), Santa, Landon Bruins and elf Jade Whited. Logan and friends attend Woodside Elementary. Photo by Elise Spleiss
On December 3rd, while the new Citrus Heights City Hall is being built, this year’s 19th annual tree lighting ceremony took place in front of the Community Center on Fountain Square Drive. Despite threats of rain, hundreds of dedicated residents of Citrus Heights and surrounding communities arrived knowing they would again enjoy good music, entertainment, refreshments, face painting, balloon twisting, and the fellowship of old and new friends.
The covered entrance at the front of the Community Center provided protection from the elements for Mayor Sue Frost and City Council Members to greet attendees. After thanking those who made the evening possible, Mayor Frost hit the switch to light up the Christmas tree to the sound of cheers and applause.
The tree was donated by Rushing Wind Tree Farm in Alta, CA and planted on Fountain Square Drive by General Services Department staff members Charles Zimmerman, Robert Young, and Armando Velasquez as well as the Sacramento Regional Conservational Corps members.
History and Arts Commissioner Mary Lou Anderson arranged for the special cultural component for this year’s festivities. Although the countries and cultures of India and Ukraine span 3,000 miles, the two dance companies delivered performances of energy and beauty.
Aradhana Arts dancers from Folsom portrayed the quiet, exotic beauty of India in their performance, while the Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble of Roseville transported viewers to times past with their colorful costumes and energetic routines. The Ukraine Heritage Club of Northern California provided the ensemble.
The party then moved inside the Community Center for a visit and photo with Santa, refreshments, entertainment, and other activities. While awaiting their turn to see Santa, many visited the “cookie room” to try their hand at decorating large cookies with a variety of toppings, compliments of TLC Exceptional Catering. TLC also provided the evening’s hot cocoa, apple cider, and regular cookies.
Children and adults alike were kept busy throughout the evening by various activities. Some tried to “pin the nose on the reindeer” at a booth provided by One Life Church of Citrus Heights. Local pageant winners and ambassadors led by pageant director Tamara Barbu lent helping hands with the children’s activities throughout the evening.
Face painting by The Other Cheek Face Painting, sponsored by Republic Services, added a bright face to the party. Balloon twisting by Grama V the Balloon Lady and the Aloha Balloon Company produced animals and other artistic shapes sculpted for kids of all ages.
The evening wrapped up with a concert featuring a medley of holiday favorites including “Winter Wonderland,” “Carol of the Bells,” and a favorite, the 1970 Three Dog Night’s version of “Joy to the World.” Sunrise Mall, Republic Services, and H&R Block were the proud sponsors of the ceremony and festivities.
The City of Citrus Heights reminds residents to look for a new tree in front of the new City Hall in 2016.
