The FV Recreation and Community Services Department hosted the annual Tree Lighting event Dec. 2 to unite community members and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.
The tree lighting ceremony began at 5:30 p.m. when various local leaders, including all members of City Council, addressed the community. Incoming Mayor Glenn Grandis, sporting festive holiday attire, commenced the lighting of the menorah to commemorate Hanukkah.
Shortly after, a roaring applause greeted Santa Claus, who joined Grandis on the stage. The crowd initiated a 10 second countdown, and both Grandis and Santa Claus flipped the switch. An array of glowing yellow lights, along with shimmering ornaments, illuminated in front of the Recreation Center.
The stage featured several performances from local community groups, including the FVHS Dance Team, the Talbert and Masuda Middle School choirs and the Hudson Dance Academy. Rows of booths from local community programs, including the FVHS Boys’ Soccer and Baseball teams, sold various concessions including pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs.
The FV Community Foundation provided free hot chocolate, and Hyundai hosted a Snow Zone, where parents and children rode sleds down a slope. Parents and children had the opportunity to take photos with Santa and the two Snow Queens. Children could write and decorate wish lists to the North Pole, along with checking if they ended up on Santa’s Naughty or Nice list.