Updated Nov. 20, 5:33 p.m.–
A 30-foot tall, 400-pound Christmas tree arrived by trailer at the Citrus Heights Community Center Tuesday afternoon, in advance of the City’s 19th annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3.
[Updated story here: Citrus Heights Tree Lighting set for Dec. 3 at temporary site]
This year’s festivities will begin with a 6:30 p.m. lighting ceremony outside the Community Center next month, followed by free refreshments, cookie decorating, train rides, and pictures with Santa inside the Center. According to the City’s web site, there will also be special performances by the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band, and dance performances by the Ukrainian Heritage Club of Northern California and Folsom-based Aradhana Arts.
Although the ceremony was previously held at the corner of Greenback Lane and Fountain Square Drive, the relocation of city hall and the new medical office building project underway at the corner necessitated a change in location this year. As of Friday, Community Center Technician Michele Saario said the tree will be located at the Center’s main west entrance on Fountain Square Drive — but indicated that could change.
Police Lt. Jason Russo said various proposed tree locations had encountered different problems, with a primary concern coming from trying to avoid blocking off Fountain Square Drive due to the nearby Post Office and Sam’s Club each having night deliveries. He said the tree location had changed three different times on Thursday afternoon, but a plan was eventually settled on Thursday night.
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Russo said crowds will gather across the street in the police department parking lot, with police closing the road briefly during the actual lighting of the tree. The road will then re-open after attendees move inside the Community Center for the rest of the festivities.
The lieutenant also said donation bins for unwrapped toys and food will be set up after the ceremony to go towards the police department’s annual Holiday Referral Program, which helps out local families who experienced a hardship over the past year.
[Related: Holiday police program benefits in-need Citrus Heights families]
Future tree lighting ceremonies are expected to be held at the new city hall, where a permanent tree will be planted, according to Saario.
The annual tree lighting drew over 1,000 people last year, and is sponsored by the City of Citrus Heights, along with Sunrise Mall and Marketplace, and Republic Services.
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Event info:
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015
Location:
Police Dept., Citrus Heights Community Center
6315 and 6300 Fountain Square Dr.
