Warmly capped for Christmas, the Shvetsov family poses with festival VIPs: CRPD Chair Joyce Carroll (left) and Supervisor Rich Desmond (second from right). Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - “This is as close as you get to Norman Rockwell Christmas,” noted County Supervisor Rich Desmond at the 21st annual tree lighting ceremony in Carmichael Park. “Kids, music, excitement – you can tell Santa’s headed for Carmichael.”

At the end of a rainy afternoon, a window of clear sky was welcome as a white Christmas. The annual festival of lights surged ahead on electricity and eggnog.

Leading a community count-down, Park District Board Chair Joyce Carroll ignited thousands of fairy lights on the 50ft park Christmas tree. Believers cheered as flurries of faux snow were unleashed.

The 60-strong River City Concert band from Rancho Cordova led Christmas songs. Joined by Disney heroine Elsa from “Frozen,” Santa Claus indulged hundreds of children. His elves distributed more than 650 illuminated glow wands. Naughty or nice, kids were further rewarded with craft opportunities.

More than 1500 visitors joined the fun. As trees and inflatables glowed. Food trucks fed the multitudes.

Carmichael’s Christmas decorations may be viewed on the park’s Fair Oaks Boulevard frontage (near Grant Avenue) until the New Year.

Sponsors included Bob’s Cycle Center, Buck Family Automotive, Carmichael Kiwanis Club, Carmichael Park District and Carmichael Parks Foundation.