News Release
November 20, 2009
Downtown Concord tree lighting and Santa event Dec. 5
Downtown Concord kicks off the holiday season at Todos Santos Plaza on Saturday, Dec. 5 beginning at 4 p.m. with Santa's Grand Arrival, followed by holiday entertainment, the Mayor's Sing-Along, and Concord's Official Holiday Tree Lighting.
Santa and his elves will hear children's holiday wishes after making a colorful entrance on a bright red fire truck. Parents are welcome to bring a camera or opt for a professional photo available for a fee.
The Todos Santos Business Association will sponsor carriage rides from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in front of the First Presbyterian Church around the corner from the plaza on Colfax Street.
The holiday tree will look different this year than in past years. The City will be decorating one of the evergreen trees growing in the plaza instead of installing a cut tree. The tree will be illuminated by LED bulbs to save energy, as was the case last year.
"We had to consider the City's budget situation, and using a tree in the plaza is both less expensive and environmentally preferable," says Downtown Program Manager Florence Weiss. "Although the tree in the plaza is smaller in size than a cut tree and has been compared to a Charlie Brown tree, it's large in spirit. We've already gotten positive comments from downtown business owners and shoppers."
Charlie Brown's Linus would be happy to hear that the City is sponsoring a companion blanket drive. The drive will benefit the STAND! Against Domestic Violence shelter for women and children. New, washable twin-sized blankets and comforters can be dropped off the night of the event at the KKDV radio booth, or at any time through Dec. 11 at Sonoma Bank, 1900 Grant St. at Willow Pass Road.
Emcee for the evening is ABC 7 news anchor Dan Ashley. Beginning at 5 p.m., he will bring in the holiday spirit with performances by the Diablo Vista Chorus, Concord High School Jazz Band, Mt. Diablo High School Red Devil Voice Ensemble, Concord High School Ladies First!, Fair Oaks Church Kidz Club Choir, D'Ann's Academy of Dance and St. Francis of Assisi Children's Chorus.
The Mayor's Sing Along and the Tree Lighting follow the entertainment. The event will be televised live on Concord Government TV Cable Channel 28 (Comcast) and 29 (Astound).
Events sponsors include the Todos Santos Business Association, Contra Costa Times, KKDV radio and Astound Broadband.
Free parking
Todos Santos Plaza is located in downtown Concord on Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets. Free parking is available in two municipal garages. The Grant Street Garage entrance is on Salvio Street between Grant and Colfax streets. The Todos Santos Parking Center entrance is on Salvio Street between Galindo and Mt. Diablo streets.
For more information about downtown events, visit www.concordfirst.org or call the hotline at (925) 671-3464.