The city of Lancaster recently hosted its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, complete with music by Jordan Tatum of Music and Kids, dance by Halau Hula O Kanoelani, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. In addition, Santa made a special presentation to a number of local boys and girls.
“The Lancaster community has been blessed with organizations that care deeply about the welfare and happiness of their city’s residents,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Spreading some yuletide joy to our local youth is just one example of how we come together year-round to improve quality of life for those who call our city home.”
In the spirit of giving, 10 deserving children were gifted a new bicycle and helmet during the ceremony, presented to them by local Sheriff’s deputies with the help of Santa Claus and his elves. These gifts represent just a small portion of a much larger bicycle giveaway taking place throughout the Lancaster community. This larger giveaway is being coordinated by the city of Lancaster, Antelope Valley Sheriff Boosters, Wal-Mart, and Grace Chapel, with more than one thousand bicycles being donated to local children throughout the holiday season.
“While Lancaster Sheriff Deputies and Antelope Valley Sheriff Boosters work each and every day to safeguard our citizens, there is nothing they enjoy more than gifting Christmas cheer to our community’s children,” added Vice Mayor Marvin Crist. “I look forward to this event each year, knowing that I will walk away with the best gift—the memory of bringing joy to others.”
One lucky child was even chosen to flip the switch on the holiday season by lighting the City Hall Christmas Tree. First dedicated to the city of Lancaster on Feb. 14, 1986 by the Bozigian and Folaron families, the tree has stood as a reminder of the community’s strength and unity for more than three decades, and was replaced just last year to continue the tradition.
