The Willow Glen Resident Willow Glen businesses weave new tradition in with the old Christmas tree, new holiday decorations brighten the Avenue By Mary Spicuzza The annual Willow Glen Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of those events people count on during the season--along with viewings of It's a Wonderful Life, family get-togethers, shopping and baking cookies. It's part of the local tradition. By combining the familiar tree-lighting with a new event--the first-ever Holiday Decoration Contest--the folks at the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association are trying to expand the tradition. "We wanted to liven things up this year," says Demetrie Rizos, president of the association. This year's tree, to be set up at the Prudential Realty office on Lincoln Avenue, will be lit on Thursday, Dec. 3. Last year the tree-lighting took place Thanksgiving weekend, and although turnout was high, many residents couldn't make it because of out-of-town Turkey Day obligations. "We wanted to do it when there are people and families in town," Rizos says. "Plus, a lot of stores will be open, so people can stroll along the Avenue after the lighting." Many of the stores will be shining their brightest, thanks to the new Holiday Decoration Contest. Businesses can enter in two categories: Best Storefront and Best Building Decorations. Winners will receive an engraved plaque and their names on a traveling trophy, which will become the temporary property of the victor. "The residents do such a great job of decorating their houses," Don Araki, co-owner of The Tea Totaler and a contestant in both categories, says. "It's great to see businesses do the same." Araki says nothing dampens his holiday spirits like driving through a city during the holidays and seeing a downtown that looks more like a ghost town than a thriving community. Councilman Frank Fiscalini, Willow Glen Neighborhood Association president Kris Cunningham and Babs Doyle of the San Jose Chamber of Commerce will judge the contest. Participants currently include Hector's Tailoring, Black Sea Gallery, Ma'ams Jewelers, The Tea Totaler, Victoria's Theatrical and Willow Glen Coffee Roasting Co. The list is still growing as the Resident goes to press. Winners will be announced at the tree lighting ceremony, which celebrates another new arrival this holiday season. As proud host of the beloved tree, Prudential Realty is also preparing to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its new location on Lincoln Avenue. "We're happy to be back on the Avenue," Prudential's Barbara Formento says. Formento worked in Willow Glen for eight years before her office moved. "We're really excited," she says. "We want to do whatever we can for the community, and have fun with it." The festivities will include holiday carols by The Fun Time Singers, hot cocoa and cider compliments of Prudential, and holiday cookies provided by R T Peak Travel. And of course, as the tree is lit, Santa Claus will arrive to consult with the children on gifts. For more information on the Annual Tree Lighting or the Holiday Decoration Contest call the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association at 298-2100. [ Back to Contents Page | Willow Glen Resident Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Willow Glen Resident, December 2, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.