
By Mike Hazlip—
Hundreds gathered outside City Hall Wednesday night to watch the tree lighting in person for the first time since the pandemic began over a year ago.
City staff created a festive atmosphere on what Mayor Steve Miller described as a limited budget. Christmas trees and inflatables greeted visitors and children colored pages and took train rides.
“We love it,” Miller said. “It’s like small town U.S.A. and it’s great to see everybody come out and celebrate the holidays and lighting of the Christmas tree.”
Photos with Santa, and music from the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band were also part of the festivities.
Citrus Heights Police Chief Alex Turcotte was among those in attendance and said he hoped the large turnout was an indicator of a merry Christmas for many.
“It’s nice to be able to return to some aspect of normalcy to Christmas,” he said. “Obviously Citrus Heights was ready to come out and fellowship again.”
The Sentinel reported last year’s event in the midst of the pandemic was a virtual tree lighting. The short 10 minute ceremony was broadcast live on Facebook and a video shared on YouTube.
The annual tree lighting ceremony has been held every year in Citrus Heights since the city’s incorporation in 1997. Up until the demolition of the old City Hall, the ceremony was held at the corner of Fountain Square Drive and Greenback Lane.
A new Coastal Redwood tree was planted along with construction of the new City Hall, which now serves as the city’s official tree that is decorated each holiday season.