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Crystal Davila (right) comforts her son, Aaron Davila, 1, who's crying sitting on the lap of Santa Claus during the El Centro Tree Lighting and Street Fair on Main Street on Friday. (JOSELITO VILLERO PHOTO / December 1, 2012) |
Santa Claus came to town at the first of two Christmas events in El Centro.
The city held its Seasonal Tree Lighting and Street Fair, kicking off the holiday season Friday evening.
Thousands of people filled Main Street between 11th and 12th streets to see the Wilson Junior High School band and tall flag team, children from the youth center and more perform, and watch the tree light up. It’s a great event to kick off the holiday season, said Parks and Recreation Director Kristie Riester. The community has been great, donating all the gifts given to the kids and more.
Everyone at the event comes out to see the tree lit and Santa Claus, she said.
Santa rode up to the sixth annual event on a fire engine, leaving many children with wide eyes and excited expressions.
Maria Lomeli brought her 3-year-old Sammy to the event for the first time this year, and her son was so excited when he saw the flashing lights and Santa Claus waving out the window.
As for what Maria was excited about, “that he got excited,” she said.
It’s nice to have an event that really brings the community together, she said.
Beatriz Renteria agreed. She came out with the family, including 5-year-old son Santiago Valdez. The event, Renteria said, is an interesting thing for the community to head out to. It’s a great way to get in the spirit of Christmas.
It’s the second year she’s been to the event, and she looked forward to the lights going on.
Her son, though, was more excited about the bouncy slide, she added. And of course, to see Santa Claus.
Staff Writer Elizabeth Varin can be reached at evarin@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3441.
The city held its Seasonal Tree Lighting and Street Fair, kicking off the holiday season Friday evening.
Thousands of people filled Main Street between 11th and 12th streets to see the Wilson Junior High School band and tall flag team, children from the youth center and more perform, and watch the tree light up. It’s a great event to kick off the holiday season, said Parks and Recreation Director Kristie Riester. The community has been great, donating all the gifts given to the kids and more.
Everyone at the event comes out to see the tree lit and Santa Claus, she said.
Santa rode up to the sixth annual event on a fire engine, leaving many children with wide eyes and excited expressions.
Maria Lomeli brought her 3-year-old Sammy to the event for the first time this year, and her son was so excited when he saw the flashing lights and Santa Claus waving out the window.
As for what Maria was excited about, “that he got excited,” she said.
It’s nice to have an event that really brings the community together, she said.
Beatriz Renteria agreed. She came out with the family, including 5-year-old son Santiago Valdez. The event, Renteria said, is an interesting thing for the community to head out to. It’s a great way to get in the spirit of Christmas.
It’s the second year she’s been to the event, and she looked forward to the lights going on.
Her son, though, was more excited about the bouncy slide, she added. And of course, to see Santa Claus.
Staff Writer Elizabeth Varin can be reached at evarin@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3441.
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