Itzel Mendez, of Oceanside, gets her picture taken with Santa Claus at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Oceanside. Photo: Gina Yarbrough/San Diego County News
OCEANSIDE–Thousands of north county residents and city dignitaries Thursday night gathered in downtown Oceanside to kick off the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Mayor Jim Wood was joined by City Councilmembers Jack Feller, Deputy Mayor Chuck Lowery, Camp Pendleton General Kevin Killea, Camp Pendleton Naval Executive Officer, Capt. Maria Young, and Santa Claus in the festive celebration, held in front of the Regal Movie Theater.
The event featured amusement rides, zip lines, a bounce house, free holiday arts and crafts, and musical performances by the Star Theatre Glee Club and Star Theatre Kids. Children at the event were given free cookies and milk.
The highlight of the event came when Santa Claus arrived on an Oceanside Fire Department truck. He assisted city and military dignitaries in the tree lighting ceremony, and stayed for family photos with children.
City of Oceanside Parks Recreation, Friends of Oceanside Parks and Recreation and MainStreet Oceanside hosted the annual Christmas tree lighting event.
