The City of Fountain Valley kicked off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec. 8, hosted by FV Recreation and Community Services. Community members ventured through the Recreation Center and Sports Park, which had been newly transformed into a winter-themed wonderland.
As the sun began to set, city leaders and special guests began the lighting ceremony and welcomed Santa’s arrival to the city. After a 10 second countdown from Santa himself, a switch was flipped and the iconic Christmas tree illuminated its bright yellow lights in all the visitors’ awe. Followed by the bursts of a fireworks show filling the sky, the crowd waved their vibrant red, blue, and green glow sticks in the air.
A row of inflatable snowmen, penguins and dogs decked out in their holiday attire greeted community members. In the parking lot, children excitedly hopped onto red sleds and slid down a slippery, snowy slope. A trackless train took visitors around the entire wonderland, and several holiday- themed carnival games, including the Reindeer Ricochet and Santa Sleigh Toss, offered opportunities to win small prizes.
The iconic Fountain Valley fire truck stood next to booths from local community programs, including the annual vendors of the Fountain Valley High School boys’ soccer and baseball teams selling pulled-pork sandwiches and hamburgers.
Inside the Recreation Center, visitors had a chance to catch sight of — and take a photo with — both Santa and the Snow Queen. For those who completed a scavenger hunt with local business and organization booths, there was a chance to win a raffle prize.
With less than a month left till Santa’s annual gift delivery, community members could visit the mail room setup to write, decorate and send letters to the North Pole about their holiday wishes. Additionally, letters could also be written and dropped off to be delivered to our country’s service members.
The FV Community Foundation provided hot chocolate and cookies to community members, who gathered around to support the performances at the outside center stage.
The performances featured choir groups and soloists from all three FVSD middle schools. Songs included Masuda’s rendition of the classic “Jingle Bell Rock”, while Talbert waved their candy canes and Fulton flourished snowflakes in hand to accompany their respective performances of “Candy Cane Lane” and “Snowman”. Additionally, the FVHS Dance Team performed various routines to a medley of holiday-themed songs.
The night’s festivities brought joy to all of those who attended and signaled to arrival of the holiday season in Fountain Valley.