With light snow flurries seen in Sutter Street, historic Folsom celebrated the annual tree lighting ceremony with a huge turnout. Glowing with holiday cheer, the event drew the local community as never before.
Beginning at 6 pm, the Folsom Cordova Unified School District Orchestra, arranged around the Historic Turntable opened the festivities, while professional skaters glide around the ice skating rink. The rink is open through January 25.
Over 1000 glowing luminaries lit up the sidewalks of Sutter Street and free wagon rides, courtesy of the Folsom Lake Bank, to revelers on a short ride to see the lights and decorations.
The Chamber Stage was the venue for the Journey Church Band & Choir, the Holiday In The Hills Cast from Stage Nine Theatre, and Folsom High School Chamber Choir.
The Official Tree Lighting ceremony began, as always, at the Chamber Stage, starting with MC Adam Frick introducing Jim Pelley, Chairman of the Folsom Chamber of Commerce. Jim thanked Miss Folsom, Miss Teen Folsom and Little Miss Folsom and introduced Council members Jeff Starsky and Kerri Howell, Jeff’s daughter Jessica, and Dave Bender and Pallas Hupe from Channel 13 TV.
Unfortunately, the Mayor was unable to attend because he and his wife had their own celebration – their fourth son was born that day.
Dave Bender set the stage for the lighting by warming up the crowd with a group “Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas.” The lights were beautiful, the best I’ve ever seen, thanks to PG and E, who donated the 5000 LED lights.
After the lighting, as well as skating and wagon rides, there were free Photos With Santa, compliments of 24 Hour Fitness, at the Stage Nine Theater on Sutter Street. There was also free hot chocolate and treats, compliments of Mimi’s Cafe and Costco
In Sutter Street, there was free face painting by Lilli, Lulu and Friends, the Yule Tones Strolling Carolers, as well as the beautiful Luminaries, lining the street for the Pedi-cab and Wagon Riders.
Complimentary shuttle buses were arranged by the Chamber, to run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for Light Rail riders and those who parked in other locations.
See more at the new Visit Folsom website:
