Christmas Begins in Colton

With full cups of hot chocolate warming their hands, hundreds cheered as the switch was flipped and Colton City Hall came alight, draped in colorful lightstrings as the holiday season officially began in the city. Monday evening, Dec. 1 marked the annual tree lighting ceremony tradition presented by the city of Colton and was highlighted with carol-singing and dance performances, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday movie screening and, not to be outdone, the time-honored lighting of the tree, a towering pine near the corner of La Cadena Drive and D Street flanked between decorations spelling out "Seasons Greetings." Residents gathered in front of City Hall to enjoy free hot cocoa, coffee and cookies from the Colton Chamber of Commerce, while the evening began with performances by Colton High School's choir and dance crew, as well as Door Christian Fellowship's caroling band and kid's choir. Now the city's former mayor, Sarah Zamora welcomed the crowd and introduced Colton officials including city councilmembers, new councilmembers, the city's newest mayor, the city clerk, the city treasurer and the Colton Chamber of Commerce. Zamora also thanked various city departments for the evening, including the Colton Recreation, Parks and Facilities, Public Works, Police and Fire departments. City leaders then led the crowd in the countdown to the tree lighting before Santa and Mrs. Claus made their entrance via a fire truck, escorted by Colton firefighters. Heidi Strutz, recreation coordinator, said the event is the beginning of the holiday season in the area. "I think people look at it as a kickoff to the holidays. A lot of other cities do something like this and it's nice to have a hometown event where people can come out, see the lights and enjoy visits with Santa." "The event has grown little by little each year," Strutz said. Public Works spends about two weeks getting the lights up, covering City Hall and the Colton museum just down the street. This year children and parents alike gathered around to watch a screening of Sony Pictures' "Arthur Christmas." A long line of children and parents also stretched down the length of the street as they waited to share their Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and get a picture. Monica Martinez and her mother, Esther Rosas, both long-time Colton residents who have been coming to the event for 14 years, brought five children along to enjoy the festivities Monday night. They said their favorite part of the event was getting to see Santa. "No, when the lights go on," chimed Esther. "That's why I come." The festive lights down La Cadena Drive are lit every evening at dusk, said Strutz.