Snow, hot chocolate and Santa’s Ho Ho Hos. The holiday season is now in full swing with Covina’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony that happened on Friday Nov. 21 to commemorate the holidays with meetings with Santa, horse rides and holiday crafts at the Downtown Covina Heritage Plaza.
This event marked Covina’s 36th annual ceremony that is put together by the Covina Christmas Committee. The event started with an announcement made by Victor Linares, mayor of Covina in which he introduced his fellow council members, Hector Delgado, Walter Allen III, Patricia Cortez and John King. All were present with Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause when they switched on the tree at Heritage Plaza.
From what started as a small community get-together over 30 years ago is now a cherished city wide event that brings together Covina and surrounding cities.
“It was very much a community thing,” Covina Councilman John King said. “Our fire department used to put up the tree, the lights on the tree and the star at the very top. It was very much a small community driven thing.”
“Staff do all the heavy lifting, they do all the hard work … The Parks and Rec Department, they do an amazing job with this … I just love seeing everyone come out and enjoy the festivities.” Covina Mayor Victor Linares said.
After the tree was lit in all its beauty, snow then fell onto the crowd while the stage was turned into a performance center for Apex Academy of Dance, Charter Oak Hills High School Choir and South Hills High School Choir.
Families were also encouraged to attend free Santa and Mrs. Clause photo opportunities where they were able to interact with members of the community and spread holiday cheer.
Many members utilized the free activities such as free horse and carriage rides, hot chocolate booths and a section where anyone could write a letter to the North Pole. In addition, there were food and craft vendors along College Street where members were able to purchase holiday gifts for their loved ones.
Charter Oak High School Choir, was one of three schools who performed holiday pieces to the community. They started with “Carol of the Bells” and ended with a crowd pleaser, “Holly Jolly Christmas”.
The City of Covina’s next holiday event will be their 74th annual Covina Christmas Parade on Saturday Dec. 6 on Citrus Ave starting at 6:30 p.m.
