A citizens group took over an important holiday tradition in Scotts Valley for the first time this year.
On Dec. 2, hundreds of people attended the Tree Lighting celebration at the Scotts Valley Community Center. Santa Claus was ushered to the event by the Scotts Valley Fire Department while carolers from NextStage Productions serenaded the crowd with “Here Comes Santa Claus.”
The Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation Advocates hosted the event for the first time, with support from the Scotts Valley Peace Officers Association.
Jesse Gabriel Photography took free photos with Santa and Elsa and Anna from the Disney movie “Frozen” were on hand to pose for selfies with other local princesses and princes. Agape Dance Academy, Scotts Valley High School Choir and Band and others helped entertain the crowd with their performances. The Vineyard Church members helped kids makes Christmas-themed crafts.
Donations from Ed and Mari Rossi, Modern Woodman, Scarborough Lumber, Mollie’s Cafe, Scotts Valley Veterinary Clinic, Bay Federal Credit Union, 1440 Multiversity, The Vineyard Church, The Reynolds Group, Scotts Valley Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, Business with Pleasure, the Scotts Valley Fire Department, and Ocean Plastic all went into making the evening possible.
The Tree Lighting celebration is also biggest fundraiser for Valley Churches United.
