East Valley anticipates large crowds for holiday celebrations

EAST VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley is gearing up for holiday celebrations this weekend in Indio and Coachella. While city officials are ready for Indio's tree lighting and the Coachella Enchanted Parade with Elf and Friends, they want to make sure residents know the are safe.

This comes after many events throughout the Valley were canceled or postponed due to low participations for fear of immigration enforcement. Now officials say they don't believe participation is a concern.

"We haven't seen a drop in participation at any of our events. In fact, we have seen an increase in numbers," Sergeant Abe Plata, the Indio Police Department PIO, said. "Our events keep getting better every year."

"If last night's tree lighting is any indication of attendance, we expect it to be a pretty full house...our Sixth Street was full," Risseth Lora, the PIO for the City of Coachella said. "I think everybody is ready to really, embrace the holiday season and and kind of get into the fun side of things." 

It's an increase in participants they believe is due to the holiday season and growing trust in law enforcement in the East Valley.

"Maybe even if it's just for the moment, but...just the joy of the season that I think overrides maybe any trepidation that people may have," Lora said.

"Our community has a lot of trust in our police department," Plata said. "We have a wonderful relationship with our community, and they continue to trust in us."

Indio and Coachella said they will have police and city staff onsite for an residents who have concerns.

For more information on Indio's tree lighting ceremony visit www.indio.org

For more information on Coachella' holiday parade visit www.coachella.org

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more from officials on East Valley holiday celebrations.