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Families and children gather inside the Calexico City Hall to see the Christmas tree be lit Thursday evening. (STEVEN ESPERANZA PHOTO / November 29, 2012) |
CALEXICO — More than 100 residents of all ages filled the floor of the Calexico City Hall rotunda Thursday as they gathered to watch the lighting of the city’s towering Christmas tree as part of the city’s annual tradition.
“It’s always a special moment (to light the tree),” Mayor Daniel Romero said while greeting guests who excitedly counted down to the lighting.
The community has been gathering together to light the tree at City Hall since the early 1990s.
People enjoyed a variety of sweets and hot drinks while local musician Patty Hurtado led community center music students in playing live Christmas music on instruments.
This year, the city’s Police Department, Finance Department, city manager’s office, Human Resources Department as well as the Housing and Economic Development Department all participated in a holiday window decorating contest which culminated at the Thursday event.
With the Calexico Chamber of Commerce providing judges, the winning windows were also awarded with the city manager’s “Jingle Bell Rock” window taking first place, the Housing and Economic Development Department taking second place and the Finance Department taking third.
Many in the packed audience excitedly joined in singing Christmas carols as the evening wrapped up, with Christmas cheer evidently arriving early to the Calexico community this year.
Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com
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