December 10, 2008

Five to six hundred people attended “The Pruneyard Peace on Earth Lighting Ceremony” on Nov. 20. Photos by Jonel Porta

‘Tis the season

The Pruneyard Shopping Center welcomes the holiday season

In their second annual extravaganza, the Pruneyard Center started the holiday season with fanfare and panache on Nov. 20.

“We must have had 500 to 600 people when we lit the ‘Peace on Earth’ sign on the Pruneyard tower,” said Equity Office Management Senior Property Manager Jonel Porta. “It’s important for the merchants and the community to celebrate the season. And it’s a lot of fun.”

The ‘Peace on Earth’ sign has been lit atop the Pruneyard tower on and off since the 1970s but since last year Porta and her elves have organized the event to create a plethora of holiday memories. “The Pruneyard Peace on Earth Lighting Ceremony” even included a new sign high atop the Campbell skyscraper with one of the old ones donated to the Fantasy of Lights in Los Gatos.

The tap dancing Christmas trees brought smiles to everyone faces at “The Pruneyard Peace on Earth Lighting Ceremony” held on Nov. 20.

Master of Ceremonies KRTY 95.3 FM Indiana Al kept the night moving smoothly. Victorian carolers, espresso and hot chocolate for all, tap dancing Christmas trees, flugel horn musicians, free showings of the “Christmas Story” at Camera 7, and the Branham High School Choir made everyone thankful they attended. Rising country artist James Otto crooned, a caricature artist drew likenesses and raffle prizes included a Tessora’s wine basket, accommodations at the Pruneyard Inn, movie tickets. And of course, Santa was there for photos and listening to children’s Christmas lists.

It was an evening to remember and a wonderful way to start the holiday season.

—Jeanne C. Carbone