In the cool of the evening, snowflakes descended on those attending the ninth annual Garden Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 1.
For those who showed up early, pre-show entertainment was provided by the "Fireside Carolers" singing four-part harmony, and 7-Eleven, owned by Navdeep Bassi, provided more than 3,000 complementary chocolate chip cookies to munch on while sipping free hot chocolate provided by Walmart Supercenter/Neighborhood Market.
Tasty tamales were for purchase by the League of United American Citizens (LULAC), for charity.
In the cool of the evening, snowflakes descended on those attending the ninth annual Garden Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 1.
For those who showed up early, pre-show entertainment was provided by the "Fireside Carolers" singing four-part harmony, and 7-Eleven, owned by Navdeep Bassi, provided more than 3,000 complementary chocolate chip cookies to munch on while sipping free hot chocolate provided by Walmart Supercenter/Neighborhood Market.
Tasty tamales were for purchase by the League of United American Citizens (LULAC), for charity.
Helping to sponsor the tree lighting event was the Garden Grove Community Foundation, which also sponsors the free annual summer concerts in Eastgate Park each year.
Community Services Director Kim Huy was the emcee once again this year, announcing the evening's lineup of entertainment, which included: The Colony of Performing Arts, The HOPE Team, Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove, Christ Cathedral Advanced Choir and "One More Productions."
One More Productions is currently performing its “Holiday Gem” show at the Gem Theater; the show was named, “Best Holiday Show” in Southern California and also, the Gem Theater was named one of the top five in Orange County.
And, their production of “Next to Normal” was named Best Show and the star was named Best Actress by Broadway World-dot-com.
Four years ago, Garden Grove began a singing competition called, ‘The Voice of Garden Grove," where high school students compete for a cash prize for themselves and their school’s choir program.
This year’s winner of the 2015 Voice of Garden Grove is Amber Tran, who also sings with the Bolsa Grande High School Concert Choir and led them off with a solo during the tree lighting.
"I’d like to thank all of you for joining us as we kick off the holiday season – Garden Grove style," said Huy. "Every year we've held the tree lighting, Navdeep Bassi has donated 3,000 cookies and toys for all of the kids visiting Santa – and we’d like to welcome all of our sponsors to tree lighting and thank them for their community support."
Santa arrived atop a Garden Grove Fire Engine from Station No. 1, escorted by Garden Grove police. Climbing down, Santa waved and greeted the crowd with, "Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas," before continuing to the stage area to greet all of the children patiently lined up to have their moment with Santa and receive a toy.
"I’d like to thank all of tonight's performers for being part of this cherished community event," concluded Huy. "On behalf of Mayor Nguyen and the Garden Grove Council, have a very blessed holiday season."
The Christmas tree will remain lighted through the month of December.
