Attendees partake in local food, drink, and shopping before gathering for the lighting of the Christmas tree
As the sun began to sink into the west, the little town of Los Olivos became awash with twinkling lights, silvery decorations, sparkling balloons, crowds of people shoulder to shoulder, and so many children all eager to take part in the annual Olde Fashioned Christmas event, which was held on Saturday, Dec. 7. The annual event kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the Christmas tree after dark, in the middle of town.
Early in the day, guests were able to wander through the many shops that were offering great holiday deals, drop by the many tasting rooms for a glass of wine, enjoy some tasty treats, and partake in an Olde Fashioned Christmas, one to remember. The local jazz band belted out Christmas tunes for all to enjoy. Figueroa Mountain Brewery hosted a holiday market and crafts, a kid’s cookie decorating table, hot cocoa, and free photos with Santa.
Later in the day, St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church hosted a Gingerbread Wonderland where local artisans and school children displayed their works of art on tables for guests to view up close. The smell of popcorn, roasted walnuts, and live music wafted through the air as people explored the town, enjoying all the fun things that were offered.
The highlight of the Olde Fashioned Christmas event is the lighting of the new 35-foot Christmas tree. As people slowly made their way from all directions toward the middle of town, the St. Mark’s Choir sang Christmas carols while everyone joined in singing along. Keith Saarloos, the master of ceremonies, regaled the crowd with a fable about how the Los Olivos Christmas tree came to find a home in the middle of town and then thanked the many people who had contributed financially to acquiring this year’s new, larger tree.
Saarloos then called all the children to gather around the tree, and placing their hands on it, they were told to make a wish, not for themselves, but for someone else. Silence stirred, then the countdown began: 10, 9, 8 …3, 2, 1, and suddenly the tree was alight with an array of colors as shouts and whoops arose in the night.
The spirit of Christmas was alive in Los Olivos and continued into the evening with dancing and music.
“This is our favorite event of the year,” said Alice Berg, president of the Los Olivos Rotary. “We love giving out cookies and cocoa to the community; it gets us all into the holiday spirit.”
The event was sponsored by the Los Olivos Chamber.
