“Be safe, be happy, and have a wonderful holiday season,” said Santee Mayor John Minto at the City of Santee’s Holiday Lighting Celebration, held at Santee Trolley Square, on Nov. 17. The celebration, with the Michaels family performing the honor of flipping the switch to light the Christmas tree, included music and dancing, vendors, holiday blow-up figures like Olaf, pictures with Santa and much more.
“Be safe, be happy, and have a wonderful holiday season,” said Santee Mayor John Minto at the City of Santee’s Holiday Lighting Celebration, held at Santee Trolley Square, on Nov. 17. The celebration, with the Michaels family performing the honor of flipping the switch to light the Christmas tree, included music and dancing, vendors, holiday blow-up figures like Olaf, pictures with Santa and much more.
“We have about 30 booth vendors, 10 attractions, a petting zoo, and trackless train,” said Breanne Humphrey, special events supervisor for the City of Santee. “There are 6,000 in attendance. We encourage people to use the trolley. This is our 15th annual event.”
New sponsors such as Santee Orthodontics and Waste Management helped make the event a success. Bayou Brothers provided live musical entertainment on the Cal Coast Stage that had dancers dancing all evening. Sledding by Rise City Church and horse drawn wagon rides added to the winter, holiday festive spirit.
Kristin Breitenbach, her 2-year-old daughter Velkyie, and more family members dressed up festively. Breitenbach said her family has come to the Santee tree lighting event for seven years.
Gary Strawn, representing the Santee Historical Society said, “We gave out calendars and bracelet lights.” He noted that the historical society is hosting its own open house on Dec. 2.
Kids decorated cookies, made crafts, took selfies with a number of blow-up figures like a polar bear or jump in huge snowmen bounce houses. San Diego County Sheriff Deputies were on hand to give stickers out to the kids and had brochures about the dangers of texting and driving for older kids.
Santee Trolley Square businesses were all open for business to the many attendees. Breanne Humphrey noted that Santee’s sales tax of 7.75 percent is one of the lowest in the county. A plus for shoppers.
The family friendly event gave the opportunity for six-month-old Sal M. Tarantino a chance for his very first picture with Santa. His mom, Vanessa Tarantino, said, “This Santa was awesome. He had us bring him in backwards.” A trick so a baby does not get frightened. Santa hats, Christmas sweaters ugly and not so ugly, elf shoes and more holiday attire were common—along with the holiday spirit.
