Sentinel staff report–
With COVID-19 restrictions causing traditional tree lightings to be unfeasible this year, the City of Citrus Heights has organized a new holiday drive-thru event at City Hall — along with a virtual tree lighting ceremony.
The “Miracle on Fountain Square Drive” is hosted by the city’s Police Department, slated for Thursday, Dec. 10, from 5-7 p.m. Vehicles will start the drive-thru at City Hall and will travel along a route by the Police Department.
Attendees will have an opportunity “to drop off letters to Santa, wave hello to him, get a goodie bag, see specially lit trees and decorated patrol cars, greet holiday characters, and more,” according to an announcement from the city.
Collection bins will also be on site for those wishing to donate new toys or canned food.
Asked whether the event will still go on in light of the governor’s projection for the region to reach 85% ICU bed capacity within a few days, city spokeswoman Nichole Baxter told The Sentinel in an email Saturday that organizers are still planning the event, although she said things can change rapidly due to the pandemic.
“The event will happen, as long as we’re in compliance with State/County Health Orders. So far, we are still planning on it,” she said.
Organizers emphasize that the event will be drive-thru only, with no pedestrians allowed.
The event will be preceded by a virtual tree lighting broadcast live at 4:30 p.m. from City Hall, according to Baxter. She said the 10-minute ceremony will be broadcast on Facebook Live, and then shared on YouTube.
