Updated Nov. 26, 4:21 p.m.–
The 20th annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Citrus Heights will take place on Dec. 1, outside the newly completed city hall on Fountain Square Drive.
Monica Alejandrez, assistant to the city manager, said the 2016 event will feature the lighting of a newly planted 22-foot-tall coastal redwood tree, along with the usual mini train rides, light refreshments, and photos with Santa. The Citrus Heights Community Marching Band is also confirmed to be performing at the event.
New this year will be the venue, held for the first time at the new city hall, whereas prior ceremonies were held at the old hall near the corner of Fountain Square Drive and Greenback Lane. Last year, after the old hall was demolished to pave way for a new medical building, the ceremony was temporarily held in front of the community center.
Alejandrez said city records show the first tree lighting ceremony was held in front of city hall in 1997, the same year Citrus Heights officially became a city. From 1998 to 2002, she said a ceremonial tree was located between the city’s administrative and general services buildings, and then in 2003 a space was made to plant a new tree at the corner of Greenback Lane and Fountain Square Drive.
About 1,200 people attended the city’s tree lighting in 2014, the final year the ceremony was held at the old hall’s location.
Although the annual event typically features appearances from the entire city council, Mayor Jeannie Bruins said she will be out of town and will hand over the ceremony responsibilities to Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey. Outgoing councilwoman Sue Frost said she will also be unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts with her new position as Sacramento County supervisor.
Tree lighting event sponsors this year include the City of Citrus Heights, Republic Services, and the Sunrise Mall. Parking will be available at city hall, as well as overflow parking at the community center and the lot adjacent to the police department, according to city staff.
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Event info:
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016
Location:
City Hall
6360 Fountain Square Dr.
