December 10, 2007

'Tis the season

Campbell lights up for the holidays

The holiday season officially started in downtown Campbell with the annual Carol of Lights Festival on Dec. 2 and plenty of entertainment for all who attended.

Studio Theater of California sang holiday carols in front of Garofalo’s Interiors and Antiques. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

Mayor Dan Furtado led the parade followed by kids of all ages some in seasonal red hats, others who brought their canines. Santa Clause ho-ho-hoed his way in the procession with his elves along with the Del Mar High School Performing Arts students in Victorian dress ala A Christmas Carol [to be presented Dec. 13 and 14] and St. Lucy’s Parish Choir kids eagerly following down the main street. Even Campbell’s Bay Area Siberian Husky Club showcased a float with a cast of their dogs. Campbell residents or anyone who attended the fun-filled event could “jump-in” and be part of the holiday parade.

Campbell had more snow than the Sierras allowing kids to toboggan down an icy slope as their parents eagerly waited for that perfect photo moment. There were bounce jumpers, face painting at the Courtyard, puppet shows, cider and coloring books manned by the Kiwanis and Santa was eager to hear each child’s holiday list. The pony rides and petting zoo with tiny pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits and even a friendly llama was a must see attraction.

“This is the best holiday event,” said Home Church volunteer Gina Von Motz who was stationed at the petting zoo. “And I’m right where I want to be. I love the animals.”

Who says it never snows in Calfornia? The snow in Campbell was eagerly anticipated by kids who tobogganed down the slopes at the Carol of Lights Festival and yes, it is real.

Dance Effects and Valley Baton showed off their moves on N. First and Campbell Avenue. And the aptly named Carol of Lights Festival lived up to its name with adults and kids singing seasonal melodies under the decorated streets and store fronts. Studio Theater of California, Village School, St. Lucy, Baptist, Del Mar High School students, the Methodist Church singers, the Foothill Sax musicians and others performed at the songfest scattered throughout the historical downtown area.

Campbell Chamber of Commerce President Carl San Miguel and Executive Director Betty Deal did double duty. Not only were they on the Carol of Lights Committee but they also greeted visitors and answered questions at the information booth in front of the Odd Fellows Lodge. The Chamber of Commerce, Padgett Business Services and the Gridley Company were the gold sponsors for the annual must-attend event.

The holiday season is officially here and the Carol of Lights Festival is a Campbell tradition that no one wants to miss. But if you did, there’s always next year.

—Jeanne C. Carbone