OROVILLE — Standing tall in front of the Oroville Convention Center, the Downtown Oroville business association Christmas tree is up and decorated ready and waiting to be lit.
The 30-foot pine donated by Sierra Pacific Industries will be the center of attraction for the holiday festivities which start at 4 p.m. Friday. Downtown stores will be serving holiday treats and staying open late, until 7 p.m. for the annual tree lighting, a holiday tradition observed for more than four decades.
“The Christmas tree lighting started over 40 years ago by a group of downtown businesses. They wanted to provide a place for the community to gather and celebrate together. Downtown Oroville business association is committed to continuing this tradition and considers the tree lighting to be our gift to the community for all to enjoy,” said T.J. Jensen, Downtown Oroville president.
The tree lighting and caroling will start at 7 p.m. in front of the Oroville Convention Center, 1200 Myers St. But even before the tree is lit, Santa will be there at 5:30 p.m. with his jolly smile ready to take pictures with one and all until 8 p.m.
During the festivities “snow” will once again be falling on downtown from the rooftops as snow machines work their wonder. Horse drawn carriage rides will start in front of the Gray Nurse building, 1359 Huntoon St., to take merrymakers on rides through downtown. Carriage rides are $5 per person and free for children 3 and under.
Erecting and decorating the tree were coordinated by Gracie Stewart, Downtown Oroville events coordinator. The tree was erected with help from the city of Oroville and Tree of Life, a local tree service business. It was decorated on Sunday, Nov. 27 by volunteers from Jordan Crossing Ministries, Stewart and Shawn Webber, District F City Council-elect.
“We’re going to do some more enhancements around the tree before the lighting. I am so excited to put the finishing touches on this event and see it lit up on this coming Friday,” said Shawn Webber.
