Ramona Christmas Tree Lighting festivities promise snow, Santa, fun

By Maureen Robertson

Look for more snow at Ramona Chamber of Commerce’s 21st annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Collier Park on Saturday.

“We’ll have two snow machines this year,” said chamber director Hans Hemkes, event chair. “We just had one last year.”

Admission is free, and all are welcome at the family event at 626 E St. from 4 to 8 p.m. Santa will arrive in

Ramonan Bill Bryant’s motorized sleigh by 4:30 p.m., and youngsters will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa as they share their Christmas wishes with him.

Festivities will include a host of activities including a Kids Zone with crafts and cookie painting.

“The exciting part is every child will take something home with them that they’ve created,” said Sally Westbrook, chamber director in charge of the children’s area. “Each child can take a handmade decoration home.”

Also planned are music and entertainment for all ages, face painting, food, crafts, and vendors offering everything from jewelry and candles to martial arts.

Hemkes, owner of Ramona Martial Arts, said youngsters will have an opportunity to learn how to break boards, adding they will be supervised by professionals.

Among choices in the food zone are Mexican food from Los Amigos and macaroni and cheese, chicken wings, macaroni and wings, hot spiced cider, eggnog and bottled water from Trezette’s Catering. Lil Bit of Heaven Sweet and Treats will have gingerbread house kits, gingerbread kits for men, holiday pies that can be purchased by the piece or whole, cookies, hot chocolate, cocoa and coffee.

“It should be a good time,” said Hemkes, in charge of the tree lighting event for the second year. “The tree is getting bigger and bigger. Every year it gets taller and taller.”

He estimates that the town Christmas tree, an evergreen, is at least 30 feet tall.

More information about the tree lighting is at the chamber, 760-789-1311. Hemkes may be contacted at 760-315-2274.

—Maureen Robertson