Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Brings Holiday Spirit

LOMA LINDA>> The tall tree in front of the Civic Center on Barton Road was officially lit during the Loma Linda Tree Lighting Ceremony Monday, Dec. 5. The annual event began at least 10 years ago and started out with a small “Charlie Brown” tree that has grown to be the tall tree that is decorated with Christmas lights every Decemeber. The community had the opportunity to watch the tree light up, eat Christmas cookies and enjoy warm hot chocolate. Loma Linda Mayor Rhodes Rigsby was in attendance of the event and said two of his favorite things about the ceremony is the “Charlie Brown” aspect of the tree and its growth, along with the children who get to enjoy the tree. “Christmas is about the magic,” Rigsby said. “The religious background is something for the adults and the multi-colored lights are for the children and the children in all of us.” Rigsby said as long as the tree is alive, the city will continue to honor the tradition each year. “That is that tree’s job to wear Christmas lights from the first week of December to just after Christmas.” Rigsby said the city thanks God for all of the citizens and for the businesses. “We really thank everyone who is a part of our community, not just the citizens but the businesses, and that's the excitement of being in a modern city,” Rigsby said. Council Member Ron Dailey attended the Christmas tree lighting and said he likes that it is a community event. He also said his wife has been watching many Hallmark movies during this time of year that often show a small town community coming together for the lighting of the Christmas tree. “Loma Linda is small-town America at its best,” Dailey said. “We may not have big crowds for the Christmas tree lighting, but its a community where everyone tends to get along and we don't have a lot of conflict, even in the city government everyone gets along.” T. Jarb Thaipejr, City Manager, was also in attendance and has been a part of the annual tree lighting's for many years. He said his favorite part of the event is the hot chocolate. For those who would like to see the tree, it is located in front of the Civic Center on the corner of Barton Road and Loma Linda Drive.