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thedrifter
12-02-06, 12:00 PM
A one-horse open sleigh
Woodland kicks off holidays with annual tree-lighting ceremony
By CRYSTAL LEE/Democrat staff Writer
Daily Democrat

There was holiday cheer all around as hundreds of people witnessed the lighting of two trees in downtown Woodland last night.

The aptly named Holly Jolly Christmas celebration is an annual local tradition that features horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas carols and shopping.

Councilman Jeff Monroe began the tree lighting ceremony in front of City Hall with a hearty "Merry Christmas!"

Local Marines sponsored the first lighting and students from Woodland and Pioneer high schools sang several Christmas favorites, including "Silent Night" and "O Christmas Tree" as the occasional carriage drove by.

The troupe then traveled over to Heritage Plaza on Main Street where the second tree was to be lit.

As the master of ceremonies, Monroe said that he and his family wanted to give the tree as a gift to the city.

"We spent three hours in the snow until we found what we felt was the perfect tree for Woodland," he said.

The tree was then sparkled in blue and white lights with a silver star on top.

Monroe also said the blue lights were specially chosen to represent public safety, in remembrance of Andy Stevens, a local California Highway Patrol officer who was shot and killed one year ago while on duty.

After thanking everyone for attending the event, Monroe introduced the Bayside Church Band and the crowd sang along.

Bayside Church Director of Outreach, Abby Munoz said the turnout looked about double what it was last year.

"We have a much bigger crowd this year," she said.

Munoz estimated there must have been at least 250 children in the crowd, since the Church had given out 250 glow sticks to kids.

Event coordinator Anita Long said the event was a success.

"This is like how it used to be," Long said, as she looked out at the smiling faces in Heritage Plaza.

Stephanie Miller and her mother, Bettie Luther, both of Woodland, were happy to attend the event.

Miller said it was important for her to teach her 6-month-old daughter Annika the importance of tradition.

And it seems that is what drew Woodlanders downtown last night.

"One of the things I can say about Woodland is that we love tradition," Monroe said.

Ellie