WATSONVILLE — Watsonville flipped the switch on the holiday season Sunday night, lighting up the plaza for a month of festive events.
Hundreds of people filled the plaza for a slate of activities that included the return of Snow Day after a five-year hiatus, which proved to be a hit.
A long line of families snaked their way throughout the plaza, waiting for their turn on the mountain of snow set up on Peck Street.
Parks and Community Services Director Nick Calubaquib noted the strong turnout at the event, and thanked the anonymous donor who supplied the Aptos Blue redwood tree that will stand in the plaza throughout the month, as well as the sponsors who supported the festivities.
“We are super excited to be here today,” he said. “We hope everyone has a great time.”
Children play in a mountain of snow set up on Peck Street. Photo by Erik Chalhoub/Pajaronian
Fortunately for city officials, the weather cooperated on Sunday, with clear skies and a slightly chilly breeze. The tree lighting was originally scheduled for Saturday, but rain in the forecast forced officials to move it to Sunday, while canceling the Multicultural Celebration.
Still, there are plenty of events lined up throughout December as Watsonville wraps up its sesquicentennial celebration, Calubaquib said.
A holiday music concert, featuring the Watsonville Community Band, will take place Saturday from 4-6 p.m., including pictures with Santa Claus, cookies and cocoa.
The following Saturday, Dec. 15, a holiday-themed movie will be screened in the plaza from 5-7 p.m.
For information, visit tinyurl.com/yc7vvgsu.
Santa Claus stopped by to take photos with families who attended the event. Photo by Erik Chalhoub/Pajaronian
