The City of Grand Terrace hosted its 8th Annual Light Up Grand Terrace Tree Lighting Ceremony Event on the evening of December 1st in the parking lot of Azura Hills Church.
Members of the community were invited to come and lift the spirit of Christmas by enjoying a multitude of food vendors, information booths from local clubs and organizations, an ice-skating rink, a petting zoo, and a visit from Santa.
The ceremony began with speeches from the Mayor McNaboe and the members of City Council expressing their excitement at the turnout and thanking the Light Up Grand Terrace Committee, headed by Frank’e Byma, for working hard to bring this event together as well as thanking Azure Hills Church for hosting.
Guests gathered to watch performances by the Terrace Hills Middle School Choir, Grand Terrace High School Spirit Squad, Grand Terrace High School Music students, the Cheer Factory, and the Grand Terrace High School Legacy Regiment Color Guard all performing classic Christmas songs. The crowd sang along and applauded.
At 6:30 pm guests headed to the sidewalk of Barton Rd. to see Santa’s special entrance, brought in by Grand Terrace Cars and Coffee, and the kids waved and cheered for Santa. Shortly after Santa’s entrance, guests turned their attention to the Christmas tree, located next to the welcoming sign of the city, to see the ceremonial Tree Lighting. Everyone got to witness the city light up with Christmas colors as the tree was illuminated with a plethora of lights.
The night was filled with joy and laughter from everyone that attended. This traditional event has served the community of Grand Terrace for seven years bringing fun and the Christmas spirit to the city. Those who couldn’t attend the event can still see the Christmas tree light up the night passing by Barton Rd.