Photo provided by Canyon Lake Property Owners Association
POA gets holidays underway Sunday
The 41st annual Tree Lighting Festival, hosted by the Canyon Lake POA and Canyon Lake Junior Women’s Club, was a magical experience for the hundreds of attendees who showed up for the festivities Sunday at Canyon Lake Lodge.
“This is one of my favorite community events,” Jr. Women’s Club Vice President Erin Adams-Halfon said. “I love how many people came out for the tree lighting. Kids coming up to hug Santa just brings tears to my eyes. The holiday vibes were so strong.”
Festival-goers were treated to a winter wonderland with complimentary holiday entertainment. Joseph Luna, 11, shocked the crowd with his rendition of Rockin around the Christmas Tree and Santa Claus is Back in Town. The young singer was swooped up by young kids his age as if he were a young Elvis performing at the Lodge. Many approached him to extend their encouragement and praises.
Joseph sang to introduce the arrival of Santa. However, the arrival aboard the Canyon Lake Fire Station’s fire truck was nixed as it was needed to provide service to a man who had a medical emergency at the event. Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse, who was off duty and in attendance at the Tree Lighting, helped the man until his crew arrived.
Despite the delay, Santa made entry aboard a golf cart instead of on the fire truck. Jenniver and Nick Lawrence sprung into action and gave Santa a lift on their cart and he made it in time for the tree lighting as planned. Children were thrilled as Santa came in true Canyon Lake fashion…on a golf cart..
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the lighting of the Christmas tree. Face painters, a Ferris wheel ride, bounce houses, a cotton candy machine, a photo booth (photos taken there are on the POA Facebook page), a Gingerbread bounce house and food trucks.
“We loved watching our girls pet the animals, getting their faces painted, and playing in the snow,” Phill Urias said. “We are truly blessed and grateful that we get to teach our children about the true meaning of Christmas and see their excitement as they experience the season.”
DJ music by Mike Shroyer, dance lights and artificial snow were also a big hit. Parents stood in line for their kids to see Santa while children danced and played in the snow in front of the Holiday Bay Room steps.
While family activities were free of charge, there were vendor and food booths offering a variety of treats for free or with a charge. The lodge patio was a perfect gathering place for many as they sat around the fire and heaters to keep warm while enjoying adult and kid treats.
The event was a perfect opportunity for families to come together and create lasting memories during the holiday season.