Wednesday, Dec. 07, 2011

Big turnout for Chowchilla tree lighting ceremony

CHOWCHILLA Five-hundred people gathered at the new Rite Aid parking lot for the Chowchilla Lions Club's 44th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

A crisp, cold night, a newly planted Christmas tree, music, hot chocolate, lights and Santa, all added to the excitement of the evening.

The tree, a Aptos Blue Sequoia Redwood, approximately 45 feet tall, was transplanted from the city's corporation yard in November.

Peggy Haupt welcomed everyone on behalf of the Lions Club and the city of Chowchilla.

Pastor Brian Mott of Grace Community Church opened the ceremony in prayer.

Madera County Supervisor District 2 David Rogers and Chowchilla Mayor David Alexander wished the crowd a Merry Christmas.

Lion Shellie Kuhr introduced the Wilson Middle School Spartan Band under the direction of Lindsay Roche. They performed several holiday selections.

The Chowchilla Union High School Redskin Band also performed. The band is under the direction of Jeremy Pietsch.

Other music was provided by Stacy Tennesen. She sang "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."

Lion Kuhr introduced Corky Gilliam. Gilliam has been instrumental in the Christmas tree program for 44 years. In years past, when the tree was placed in the middle of Robertson Boulevard, Gilliam and his crew traveled to the mountains to cut a tree for the city. In recent years he has led the crew in stringing the lights.

Following the lighting of the tree, Haupt led the children in the crowd in chanting Santa, Santa, Santa.

Santa did not disappoint them. He arrived on the city's vintage fire truck. Children lined up, eager to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Santa's helper handed each child a candy cane provided by the Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce. The Chowchilla Lions Club is committed to keeping the Christmas Tree Lighting tradition alive.