CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Clear skies and faux snow blessed the 19th annual tree lighting ceremony in Carmichael Park last week. Leading a community countdown, Park District board chair Joyce Carroll flipped a switch and ignited thousands of fairy lights on the 50 ft park Christmas tree and surrounding illuminations.

Christmas songs were led by the 60-strong River City Concert band from Rancho Cordova. Santa Claus indulged hundreds of children and a few doggies. One of his elves distributed candy canes to kids waiting patiently in line. Believers were further rewarded by free crafting opportunities.

Following a pandemic drive-through version of the tradition in 2020, more than two thousand visitors celebrated the return to more normal festivities.  As trees and inflatables glowed, machine-generated snow flurries dotted noses and eyelashes. An avenue of food trucks fed the multitudes.  

Christmas decorations may be viewed on the park’s Fair Oaks Boulevard frontage every night until the New Year.

Sponsors included Carmichael Kiwanis Club, Carmichael Chamber of Commerce and Fairytale Land.