December 5, 2006

A Festive Celebration

Carol of Lights heralds holiday spirit in downtown Campbell

By Julie Davis Berry
Executive Editor

The sign outside downtown Campbell is decorated for the Carol of Lights festival on Sunday night.

Hundreds of Campbell families flocked to downtown Campbell on Sunday, Dec. 3 as the annual Carol of Lights celebration heralded the holiday season.

At 5 p.m. a “parade” down Campbell Avenue included a dog sled manned by the members of the Bay Area Siberian Husky Club.

The three-hour event featured lots of kid stuff like bounce houses, a chance to play in the “snow,” a visit with Santa Claus, a petting zoo and pony rides. Several groups entertained including choirs and brass groups singing the favorites of the season such as “Oh Come All Ye Faithful.” Baton twirlers and dancers even passed out cookies, cider and popcorn to the appreciative crowd after their performances.

Claire Walker, 6, of San Jose and Samantha Burch, 6, of Campbell enjoy a snow sled ride at the Carol of Lights festival in Campbell. Photos by Dan Miranda

Rose Lim Sorbello, 4, of Campbell enjoys the snow during the Carol of Lights festival in downtown Campbell on Sunday night. Photos by Dan Miranda

Volunteers save the event
The Carol of Lights Committee has been holding fundraisers and soliciting donations during the past year to make sure the event could continue. Among the fundraisers were a casino night, a bunco night, a garage sale and recently a percentage of the proceeds from a day at Sonoma Chicken Coop.

Local supporters formed a nonprofit organization in 2005 when the city of Campbell could no longer pay for the event. Volunteers staff the event, which expanded this year to include four bounce houses and additional entertainment.

Members of the support group include Alan and Bonnie Aerts, JT Bikul, Betty Deal, Pam Finch, Frank Jewett, Mike Katz, Larry Pedersen, Dorene Shirley, Cary Stover and Jimmy Zien. Campbell Express publisher Sally Howe is the general chair.

The Carol of Lights Committee has a Web site to accept donations: www.caroloflights.org or they may be sent to: Carol of Lights c/o 344 E. Campbell Avenue, Campbell CA 95008.

Allison Chen, 2, of Campbell rides a pony escorted by her father Victor in the animal petting zoo in downtown Campbell at the Carol of Lights festival on Sunday.