Hundreds of Burney residents came out on the evening of Saturday November 28th for the 2015 Christmas tree lighting ceremony. People enjoyed delicious treats prepared by local service clubs, sang Christmas carols, cheered as Christmas Tree Lane lit up, and had a delightful time as their children met Santa. Each child received a goodie bag.
Young girl with Santa
The ceremony began at 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Tree Lane with a presentation of the flag by the combined American Legion and VFW Honor Guard consisting of Cuz Lyons, George Matthews, Dennis Lopez, and Martin McAbee. The Honor Guard then led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. As the Honor Guard left there was a moment of silence for those soldiers who have lost their lives.
Then the countdown and the trees lit up.
The lights go on!
Henry Winkleman and his family sang “God Bless America”, “Silent Night,” and “Here Comes Santa Claus.”
Winkleman family singing Here Comes Santa Claus
As the crowd sang “Here Comes Santa Clause,” Santa arrived in a fire truck.
Santa arrived in a firetruck
A long line of parents and children waited for a chance for each child to sit in Santa’s lap for a cheery chat.
Families lined up to see Santa
2015 Burney Basin Days Royalty came to help Santa hand out the gift bags. I asked who Santa was (thinking maybe it was Wally Estes or some such fellow). But I was assured by the young ladies of the Royalty that this was indeed The Real Santa from the North Pole!
Baby Zachariah Nash and his daddy Chris with Santa and Royalty
The Lionesses served all kinds of cookies and the Soroptomists served hot apple cider and hot chocolate.
Cookies, hot apple cider and hot chocolate
The Rotary provided popcorn and cotton candy.
Rotary Club with popcorn and cotton candy
After a wonderful Thanksgiving, this was a great way to begin the Christmas Season. Temperatures were cold, but hearts were warm.
God bless us everyone. Happy holidays to all!
Pit River Country 