Holiday tree arrives in Santa Barbara as special events bring back more holiday spirit to South Coast
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - After many holiday activities were on hold last year due to COVID-19 rules, some of the most popular ones are back and the public will have no shortage of choices, including the downtown tree lighting ceremony this week.
The holiday tree arrived Wednesday morning on the back of a flat trailer from Grants Pass, Oregon.
The tree and events coming up are sponsored by Consumer Fire Products.
Owner Irene Rhodes was beaming with happiness at seeing the tree and the decorations come together at the famous spot in Santa Barbara near the Arlington Theatre. "I think it is really an important symbol for our community," she said. "They know the tree will be on State Street no matter what happens."
City crews worked on the installation for hours.
It will come alive with lights Friday night in a special event from 6 - 9 p.m. This year's Prince and Fairy that would normally have been in a parade carriage will step up to the tree and illuminate it during the event. Elander said, "they are two little kiddos who submitted artwork and they are chosen to actually light the tree so it is part of an annual tradition."
The Downtown Organization says it is all part of a presentation several groups, business owners and organizations are pulling together to revitalize the holiday scene, not just downtown, but citywide.
Having a welcoming, festive area is a sign, the public can enjoy the holidays outdoors again, or participate in some festival-like events, in a safe way.
Many business districts on the Central Coast will be going all out with their Christmas and holiday decorations not only for those who will be coming out for all the events this holiday season, but for those who will come out just for a few of the selected events in a way that feels safe for them during the pandemic.
A downtown worker, Michelle Zorsch said, "we're coming back to life and returning to what we enjoyed." She was in the picturesque walkway is the La Arcada court. "It's so lit up with all the Fairy lights and big trees and bows and it just puts you in the Christmas Spirit."
Elander said there is "a lot of connectivity, support, and community resilience going on. It's been a wild time."
Planning her outings ahead Zorsch said, "just take your cocoa and your hot cider and just slowly walk around."
Last year, big crowd gathering events were not possible. This year, "we really want the community to be able to come out and participate in all these things in a safe way," said Elander. They are spread out throughout downtown, they are smaller events than usual and that's very purposeful so that people can come out wear a mask and enjoy being out."
For more information go to: Downtown Santa Barbara .
