Community comes together for Christmas tree lighting in Brawley
BRAWLEY — It was that time of year for the community of Brawley to come together for its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday evening.
Held at the Kiwanis Kiosk at North Plaza Park on Main Street, the ceremony drew in hundreds of parents and children to witness the lighting of the community’s Christmas tree for the first time this year.
“I thought it was great. It gives you an opportunity to see the parents, their kids and their grandparents out here enjoying their community,” stated Brawley city Mayor George Nava. “We also have a lot of community support for this event.”
The lighting ceremony was organized by the city’s Parks & Recreations Department, along with support from the Boys & Girls Club of the Imperial Valley, Brownie’s Diner, Hacienda Market, Teamsters Union Local 542 and Johnny’s Burritos.
Christmas cards, hot chocolate and festive music was available for guests to enjoy.
Groups of students from Phil D. Swing Elementary School and Myron D. Witter Elementary School performed Christmas carols on stage.
Highlighting the event was the arrival of Brawley Police Department Cmdr. Brett Houser dressed as Santa Claus on a Brawley Fire Department Truck.
Parents and children, such as Brawley resident Tiffany Kloss-Morgan and her daughter Annabella, then lined up for photos with Santa.
“I liked the songs and I liked Santa Claus coming here. I liked everything,” expressed Annabella, 6.
It was the first time Morgan brought her family to the event.
“I think it’s a fantastic event. With the provided hot chocolate and everything, it was really homey.” mentioned Morgan. “I’d like to see more kids performing. Maybe that would bring more of a crowd.”
Before meeting Santa, 8-yearold Brawley resident Joshua Nunez felt a mixture of happiness and nervousness.
“I was really nervous. Then I was happy to see Santa,” recalled Joshua. “He asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I told him the Nintendo Switch.”
The lighting ceremony was nothing but a welcoming experience for the city’s mayor, who hopes the event will continue for years to come.
“My favorite part is seeing the kids and how happy they become once they see the tree lighting and Santa arrive,” said Nava. “You see their faces and eyes light up. It’s just a great experience and really it’s a lot of joy not just for me, but for the entire community.”