Woodland's holiday tree lighting event welcomed hundreds to celebrate the start of the holiday season Friday night at Heritage Plaza located at 701 Main St.
The tree lighting took place at 7 p.m. along with the city's First Friday festivities and attendees were able to enjoy local art, food, live music and a lighted tractor hay ride on Main Street.
Additionally, an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt was held for several hours leading up to the tree lighting allowing attendees to visit participating businesses for a chance to win prizes.
Tania Garcia-Cadena, Woodland's next mayor starting Dec. 5, attended the event and said it was a great way for the community and families to come out and enjoy the city.
"It's free and they're visiting businesses that they don't typically visit," Garcia-Cadena emphasized. "The addition of Elf on the Shelf is just perfect to go along with the tree lighting and a great way to kick off the holidays."
Garcia-Cadena is also executive director of the Woodland Food Closet and noted there are some food drives currently happening if anyone is interested in donating.
"Starting today, community members and families can pick up boxes with a list of food that we need at our food closet," she said Friday. "If they want to, within their neighborhood or their family, collect food for us, we would be more than happy to provide a box and a list of our needs."
For more information or to donate, visit woodlandfoodcloset.org.
Woodland resident Adrian Castillo brought his three-year-old son Andres Castillo to the event and noted that a lot more people attended this year's tree lighting than last year.
"It's nice, that means the community is growing," he stressed. "It brings the community together and makes you feel nice about living in Woodland."
Kelley Brian, a Woodland resident for over 10 years, said she's come to the tree lighting a few times and enjoys supporting the community and celebrating "the beautiful season of Christmas."
Brian said she's excited to bring her kids to all of the city's upcoming festivities, including the Holiday Parade.
"We were bummed when they didn't have it last year, so we're excited that that's back too," Brian said regarding the parade. "The kids are super excited for Santa coming through the neighborhood next week so looking forward to all the fun festivities."
"We're just really grateful to the Woodland community, all the different organizations that come out and support," she added.
The Holiday Parade returns from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, along Main Street after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and weather conditions.
For more information on the parade, visit members.woodlandchamber.org/chamber-events/Details/home-for-the-holiday-magic-parade-2023.
For a full list of upcoming holiday events, visit dailydemocrat.com/2023/11/30/city-of-woodland-to-hold-a-slate-of-upcoming-holiday-events.
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