Idyllwild holds 58th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony
Idyllwild held its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Saturday.
“This has been going on for 58 years,” said Chris Perreault, organizer of the ceremony.
Residents say they’re grateful that downtown is still standing for the holiday season, after the Cranston fire came dangerously close earlier this year.
“I think it’s a renewal…and it reminds everybody how fortunate we are when we know what’s going on in other parts of California…how close we came…that could have been us,” said Chief Patrick Reitz, of the Idyllwild Fire Dept.
“This place is a place we hold near and dear to our hearts and it was really scary when the fire was up here,” said Kelsea Straub, an Idyllwild seasonal resident.
Locals showed appreciation for the fire department and hundreds gathered around the tree, anticipating the moment the magnificent multi-colored spectacle lit up the center of town. Christmas scenes, treats, and vendors lined the streets — promoting local business.
“It’s a great time to set up a booth and have everybody come get Christmas gifts of local art,” said Cynthia Grady, Vice-President of Idyllwild Art Alliance.
“We didn’t want people to think we were closed up because of the Cranston fire. We’ve all bounced back we’re supporting each other and we’re ready for business,” said Janice Murasko, of Animal Rescue Friends of Idyllwild.
Mayor Max, the unofficial Mayor of Idyllwild, was also in attendance — his owners say this is the biggest event of the year: “Several thousand come to town and the mayor supports all of the big and important events he would not miss it,” said Phyllis Mueller.
The proceeds from the event are going towards building a community center for the town.
And while tonight was Idyllwild’s Christmas kickoff, locals say they have several fun holiday events planned in December — including an Idyllwild Viking Yule Feast — another festival with live music, local art, food and drinks, to be held on December 22nd.
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