December 6, 2005

Campbell’s Carol of Lights

New Committee takes over event management

By Candy Richter
Staff Writer

This year’s snow park included a “sled ramp” the brain child of Window and Door Alternative’s Frank Jewitt. Kids could either ride their own sleds or opt for a towed ride down the mini ramp.

This year’s “Carol of Lights” celebration in downtown Campbell saw a number of changes over prior year’s events. Now under the management of the Carol of Lights Committee rather than the city of Campbell, some of the notable additions included the immensely popular children’s petting zoo and pony ride, inflatable slide and increased popcorn vendors.

“We added some elements, rearranged some things and had to eliminate some things,” said committee member Alan Aerts. Two of the eliminated attractions, the traditional train ride and the horse-drawn sleigh, were cut due to cost and insurance reasons. Aerts hopes to find more cost-effective replacement attractions for next year’s event.

“The real hero in this whole thing is Sally Howe. She’s the one who saved this when the city council announced that it couldn’t afford to put this on,” said Aerts.

According to Howe, it was back in June when budget reviews brought the harsh funding reality to light. “When I heard, I thought ’we’ve got to have this’ and just started calling people – Alan Aerts, Betty Deal, Carl San Miguel, Jimmy Zien from the Home Church. I didn’t have to twist anybody’s arm.”

The Westmont High School Drama Club was on hand singing traditional Christmas Carols.	Home Church Volunteer Debra Chalmers puts the finishing touches on Aliya Addo’s Christmas tree.
What would a holiday event be without Santa? He arrived in style with “Snow Princess” Bonnie Aerts on hand to give out treats to the waiting children.	Singers in costume: Del Mar High School’s Choir gave a modern carol an old-world twist with their rendition of “Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer” – in Latin!