NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Tree Lighting and Concert at Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica

Community Gathered for Downtown Santa Monica's Annual Winterlit Celebration and Free Tree Lighting Concert Featuring Tyler Hilton, Jared Lee and Jessarae

Downtown Santa Monica was transformed on Sunday, December 5th and Monday, December 6th into a holiday winter wonderland as the community celebrated its annual tree lighting ceremony and enjoyed a free concert featuring performances by Tyler Hilton, Jared Lee, and Jessarae, as well as a day filled with other activities. This year's tree lighting celebration paid tribute to the arts and focused on a fun-filled day dedicated to the local community, and families from around the Los Angeles area showed up to celebrate the season.

Kathleen Rawson, CEO of Bayside District Corporation, the organization responsible for hosting the day's festivities, was thrilled by the turnout on Sunday. She said, "The arts are such an integral part of our community and we're excited that so many people feel the same way and showed up to offer their support."

As part of the day's activities, members of the community enjoyed delicious dishes created by local restaurants The Lobster, Bar Pinxto, and Locanda del Lago as well as children's ornament decorating and face painting.

There were performances by the Santa Monica High School Orchestra, Fancy Feet Dance Studio, "Mrs. Scrooge" the musical by West of Broadway, and a storybook reading of "Five Little Peppers" with author Diane Namm.

One of the major highlights was a traditional Menorah lighting ceremony and the world record attempt at the largest group dreidel spinning at one time. Downtown Santa Monica shattered the record with more than 617 participants taking part in the special Chanukah tradition.

The fun-filled day Sunday closed with unexpected rain showers that postponed the annual Winterlit Concert to Monday night. Monday's lineup included star-studded performances by recording artists Tyler Hilton, Jared Lee, and Jessarae. The crowd came out to enjoy a festive concert with great weather.

Bayside District CEO, Kathleen Rawson said, "It all really comes down to the people who make this city great. This was a fun and festive way to recognize the arts that make Santa Monica such a vibrant place to live and work."

Additional Information and photos:

http://www.ballantinesbiz.com/promenade/DSM_TreeLightingPostEvent_120710.html