5th annual Holiday Lights brings sparkle to fairgrounds
The fifth annual Holiday Lights event has returned to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, and it’s bigger and brighter than ever. It features light displays including a 30-foot sea serpent, huge rooster, lighted tractors with turning wheels, gingerbread kids, tunnels, an enchanted forest, gigantic snowflakes and much more.
New this year, the lawn at the main entrance is filled with candy canes and huge poinsettias—all in lights—a great addition to the traditional snowman who greets guests with a tip of his top hat.
Also new, the display inspired by the winner of this year’s Youth Art in Lights Contest—11-year-old Liam Cellitti of Scotts Valley, who submitted a drawing of his favorite thing—a mug of hot chocolate with a candy cane.
Holiday Lights features nearly half a million LED light bulbs, and the drive-thru experience is set to music, courtesy of KAPU 104.7 FM and KDUB 99.9 FM.
The drive-thru schedule is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 29-Dec. 22, plus Monday, Dec. 23, and Tuesday, Dec. 24, with lights coming on at 5:30pm. The walk-thru schedule is Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, (during the Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair), with lights coming on at 5:30pm
Tickets are available online at fairgrounds-foundation.org.
Concertino Strings presents Holiday Concert next week
The Concertino Strings, a 25-piece string orchestra-in-residence at the historic 150-year-old Boulder Creek United Methodist Church, will bring the peace and joy of beautiful music to the community with its fourth annual Holiday Concert.
This year’s concert dates at the church are Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 11:30am and Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3pm.
The concert features an 18th century baroque Christmas Concerto by Guiseppe Sammartini, including harpsichord and organ continuo, led by director Joanne Tanner; a rocking arrangement by Renata Bratt of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”; and a Fantasia on two old English carols by Martin Gaskell.
Admission is free, with donations accepted. The concert is an hour long with no intermission. Visit concertinostrings.com for more information.
Holiday Helpers program accepting gifts for seniors
It’s that time of year when the community comes together to ensure all have a special and memorable holiday season. Become a Holiday Helper by giving to the often-forgotten seniors in care facilities in Santa Cruz County.
Family Service Agency and I-You Venture’s Holiday Helpers program is now accepting donations and wrapped gifts through Dec. 9.
Gift suggestions include new lap blankets, scarves, slippers, slipper sox, socks, shirts, stuffed animals, lotions, calendars, crossword puzzles, word search, adult coloring books, etc. Mark wrapped packages male or female, with sizes, ready for delivery to the care facility residents.
Cash donations are also appreciated and can be made through the website fsa-cc.org or mailed to FSA Agency/I-You Venture, 104 Walnut Ave, #208, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Drop off gifts between Dec. 7 and 9, from 10am-6pm, at the Volunteer Center Donation Center, Holiday Helpers/FSA/I-You Venture, Capitola Mall (Old Sears Building), next to Chili’s.
For more information and drop off options, contact 831-459-8917 or cl*********@fs****.org.
