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Downtown festivities mark start of season
Avenue businesses hit Santa's Trail
By Michele Leung
The spirit of Christmas will officially announce its presence at Willow Glen's annual tree lighting ceremony. This local tradition, sponsored by Kiwanis and the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association, takes place at Willow Glen Elementary School at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 2.
Principal Anita Sunseri says Christmas is already in full bloom at the school, and the town's Christmas tree only adds to the atmosphere. "The students are very proud," she says. "We're already selling our own trees, but the Christmas tree is helping the spirit grow."
Councilman Frank Fiscalini will do the honors of flipping the switch, and Santa has agreed to leave the North Pole early for pictures with his fans. Songsters from Castillero middle school, and Booksin, River Glen and Willow Glen elementary schools will provide the caroling. In addition, a folklorico dance troupe, made up of students from Washington, will perform dances from various regions of Mexico.
Although last year's ceremony involved a holiday decoration contest for the businesses on Lincoln Avenue, shop owners at this year's event will provide special deals and refreshments for customers. Elves, recruited from local schools, will guide patrons to the 26 businesses along Santa's Trail, which runs from Minnesota Avenue to Willow Street. Casa Casa will give a 10-percent discount on Christmas decorations and extend its hours from 7 to 9 p.m., and at The Glen customers can enjoy a free cup of chowder and donate toys for the Marines and the Toys for Tots program.
Ariana Benech, who works at Sach's Day Spa, says the salon will have longer hours and offer samples. The Willow Glen Coffee Roasting Co. will count on its "buy one, get one free" newspaper coupon deals to bring extra business, owner Chris Carris says.
Other early holiday touches have also been spotted on the Avenue. The Willow Glen Business and Professional Association decoration committee spent part of its Thanksgiving weekend dressing up the sycamore trees with lights and red bows, "like candy canes on Lincoln," says Demetri Rizos, WGBPA business manager.
"This is our way of giving our thanks to the community," Rizos says.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
