The time came again this year for the annual Christmas in the Village celebration that transformed La Mesa’s downtown area into a charming Victorian wonderland. Drawing delighted local children and all kids-at-heart amongst them, the festive annual event took place on consecutive evenings of Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. and is touted as a “gift to our community” by the La Mesa Village Merchant’s Association.
The time came again this year for the annual Christmas in the Village celebration that transformed La Mesa’s downtown area into a charming Victorian wonderland. Drawing delighted local children and all kids-at-heart amongst them, the festive annual event took place on consecutive evenings of Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. and is touted as a “gift to our community” by the La Mesa Village Merchant’s Association.
Favorable and out-right near-balmy weather contributed to this year’s heightened success of the festivities that once again featured strolling minstrels and carolers in Victorian attire, street entertainers, food and commercial vendors, our own Helix High School’s famous Highlander bagpipers and the much anticipated Holiday Parade that brings Santa Claus not only to town but within reach of expectant children’s delight.
Aja Oberlies and Sarah Carr from Bo-Beau’s Kitchen and Garden restaurant were on hand, as first time participants, gifting people with scrumptious chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies to be washed down with a choice of Grinch-green-milk or spiced apple cider.
“This is our restaurant’s first year’s participation in this event and we’re delighted to be here. We opened just in time for the Oktoberfest and are now loving these celebrations and meeting members of our community,” Oberlies said, inviting all to sample what she described as the restaurant’s “French bohemian cuisine with a southern comfort flair.”
Lucy Ramirez from Fun For Kids Entertainment was on hand and in bright costume making balloon characters and providing face painting. Andrew and Jaye Strother were amongst the Victorian clad strolling minstrels. Members of the Grand Ladies of the Old West, the couple explained that their organization helps to raise funds for charities such as battered women’s’ shelters.
“This year, we’ll be making a donation to the Big Sisters League on December 22,” Andrew Strother said.
The couple is from La Mesa and looks forward to being part of the Christmas themed event and volunteers their appearances.
“We’ve been doing this for a few years now and consider it a lot of fun,” said Andrew Strother. “We do parades and charity events. Friends lovingly know us as Charity and Rooster.”
From nearby Spring Valley, Sharon and Jonathan Pearson were one of the many families that lined La Mesa Boulevard. They could not resist bringing their kids to the festival, with the ultimate aim to promote and offer the local village area merchants and all the diverse establishments with their mom-and- pop individual flair, as an alternative to the frenzied and cookie-cutter shopping mall experience.
“This is our first time here and our kids are so excited to especially see Santa”, said Sharon Pierson, adding that it was extra special for 2-year-old Olivia since it would mark her first time ever to see St. Nick.
