The El Capitan High School Marching Band and the Lakeside pageant ambassadors escorted Santa and Mrs. Claus down Maine Avenue to the Lakeside Historical Society so they could kick off the festivities joining the Lakeside Fire Department in the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. Joining the Lakeside Fire Department, hundreds gathered around the tree to officially kick off the Spirit of Christmas Lakeside as they turned on the lights for the holiday season.
The El Capitan High School Marching Band and the Lakeside pageant ambassadors escorted Santa and Mrs. Claus down Maine Avenue to the Lakeside Historical Society so they could kick off the festivities joining the Lakeside Fire Department in the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. Joining the Lakeside Fire Department, hundreds gathered around the tree to officially kick off the Spirit of Christmas Lakeside as they turned on the lights for the holiday season.
Thousands of people gathered for the event, Maine was full of vendors and attractions for children. Lakeside churches banded together creating a Christmas wonderland of crafts, snow sledding and games for the kids along with a maze constructed by Boy Scout Troop 346. Organized by the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce and with the help of many sponsors, the event was a wonderful evening filled with community spirit and a plethora of fun for everyone.
The Lakeside Union School District students provided entertainment throughout the evening with song and dance reflecting the best of the holiday season and the schools arts programs. This year’s event was well attended with Maine filled with people, possibly the largest crowd in this annual Lakeside tradition’s history.
After the tree lighting, hundreds of children lined up to let Santa know what they wanted for Christmas and giving parents the opportunity to take photos for the holidays. This is always a specialty of the event and Santa, with the help of Ms. Claus and the Lakeside pageant ambassadors once again made it a destination of fun for all involved.
The variety of vendors was full of holiday gifts, information booths, crafts for children and some local fundraising activities. With many photo ops, children (and adults) were able to get holiday photos at the photo booth, the petting zoo and the many stand up photo props scattered up and down Maine. Restaurants stayed busy, Mary’s Donuts provided live entertainment in front of its storefront and local shops had great specials and guest vendors outside their doors.
Once again, the entire community demonstrated that the Spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Lakeside.
