Holiday season kicks off - December 5, 2006

(This story originally appeared in the Hesperia Star Tuesday, December 5, 2006)

Several hundred brave low temperatures to attend annual lighting of the Christmas tree

Forget Black Friday and the would-be phenomenon of Cyber Monday: In Hesperia, the holiday season started last Thursday with the lighting of the city Christmas tree.

It’s an annual Hesperia Recreation and Park District tradition stretching back 15 years, although the tree has only been located on the grounds of the Little Country Church on the corner of Main Street and C Avenue since 2001.

Hundreds crowded into the yard, where they were greeted with kettle corn, hot cider and carols, and waited for the lighting of the massive Deodar Cedar, as well as smaller trees decorated by civic groups and local schools.

Despite icy weather earlier in the week, temperatures were milder for the annual lighting.

“Remember, it could be colder,” park board member and city councilman elect Thurston “Smitty” Smith told the crowd.

Following carols and medleys by a local singing group, Park district General Manager Cal Camara told elf jokes—“What do you call someone who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus?” “A rebel without a Claus.”—and led the countdown at the 5:24 lighting of the tree.

“By the way,” Camara said, “We have a lot more lights this year and we’re not sure if they’ll come on, so cross your fingers.”

The lights all appeared to be working just fine.

Soon after, Santa and his wife arrived in the cab of a siren-blaring San Bernardino County Fire Department fire truck.

Beau Yarbrough can be reached at 956-7108 or at beau@hesperiastar.com.