LANCASTER – An elaborately decorated living room with a Christmas tree, a fire place, an abundance of holiday treats, and even live entertainment helped City officials set the tone Thursday to announce details of the second annual “Magical BLVD Christmas.”
“Magical BLVD Christmas is a family-oriented event which will have a lot of entertainment, fun activities, and of course, our mouthwatering, every-calorie-counts holiday treats,” said Councilmember Sandra Johnson at Thursday’s press conference.
The holiday event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10 on The Blvd, between Beech and Gadsden Avenue.
The event will feature live reindeer and a number of other holiday attractions and activities, including riding on the holiday train; making children’s arts and crafts at Santa’s Village; helping to create a holiday mural; viewing the stroll-by movie, Shrek the Halls at Western Hotel Museum; and taking photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus and other Christmas scenes.
“This is a beautiful event, which brings friends, families, and neighbors together right here in the heart of Lancaster’s downtown,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris, in a written statement. “It is no wonder 20,000 people attended last year. Events like these are where memories are made.”
This year’s entertainment includes:
- The Rockettes Medley dancers
- Dancing Santas and Double Date
- A Little Night Music Carols
- Charles Dickens Carolers
- Lee Matalon Jazz Ensemble
- Barry Marine
- The Quartz Hill High School Choir
- The AV Children’s Choir
- The 14-foot-tall Marionetta singer
- And more.
There will also be a Cristkindlmart holiday market (an open-air shopping experience modeled after the German traditional holiday market) featuring Christmas crafts, food and handmade items; a ‘Holidays Around the World’ exhibit; and a live ice sculpting demonstration.
“We’re going to have a 20-foot tree this year,” said Mike Rosa of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. “We [will] have carolers, choirs, roasted chestnuts and all the feeling and spirit of the holiday season right here in downtown Lancaster.”
The Los Angeles County Fire Department will also be on site hosting their “Spark of Love” Toy Drive. The public is invited to bring a new unwrapped toy to help a needy family.
“For entertainment, places to shop and eat, or to meet and relax with friends and family, The BLVD is your ideal destination during Christmas,” said Vice Mayor Ron Smith. “The Magical BLVD Christmas will be showcased at this venue which has truly become a magical place.”
A Magical BLVD Christmas takes place from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10 on The Blvd, between Beech and Gadsden Avenue.
Antelope Valley Town Crier says
It’s probably paid for by the BLVD Association (with a grant from the city). I’m sure the city pays a lot for the promotions that go on at Da BLVD. In return, I’m more than sure that Da BLVD Association donates a bundle at election time to keep the re-election coffers full for the current elected officials.
This is a cash cow for current city officials. As for a benefit to the resident’s, probably very little. But, I’m sure the residents are used to getting the short-end of the stick. That’s just how they roll in Lancaster.
Palmdale_Steve says
Redevelopment dollars pay for this, and income from sales tax receipts to some extent stay right in the city.
TRex got a new car dealership (Chevy) and the Blvd putting more money into the city coffers.
You’d rather have the Blvd be hair places, nail salons, used appliance stores and the other dreck that was there before?
Jo says
LOL. Is there some “redevelopment” tree that grows money from some place besides our pockets? Really? You’re absolutely right PALMDALE Steve. I’m sure we’ll see a return on those tax dollars any day now. One good party should do it. We’ll make up that $218 million dollar redevelopment debt
with a few pitchers sold at bexs. Right after we make up the millions we spend defending our self in court. Which we’ll make up right after Bozigan’s 1/4 million yearly salary. Maybe you could give us some numbers on dollars made with those sales taxes? And don’t mind those other empty strip malls around town. The blvd will take care of us!
John Mlynar says
You can use redevelopment money for an event?
Stinger says
Why not? Parris uses city money for his election campaigns and nobody seems to care about it.
Remember, any law that Parris finds inconvenient can be safely ignored in the kingdom of the north because justice is dead there.
John Mlynar says
I don’t believe you can use redevelopment funds for events. The events are most likely paid for out of the general fund.
Matt Keltner says
The parade also had private corporate sponsors. I know that High Desert Medical Group was one of them and there were two more, which I have forgotten at the moment…?