SANTI, California – With less than a week left until Thanksgiving, the holiday spirit is in full swing.
Several communities in the San Diego area held tree lighting events Friday night to mark the start of the season, including in Santi, where residents gathered nearby to spread the holiday joy. About 5,500 people came out to make up for lost time after last year’s event was canceled due to an epidemic.
There were families եր smiling children who took part in many activities, including jumping houses, walks, sledding, and the opportunity to take photos with the fun of Old St. Nick.
“The big man flew from the North Pole,” said John Shelhammer, special operations overseer in Santi.
Mayor John Minto was joined by council members to cheer the evening, cheer the crowd before the tree was officially lit, and fireworks filled the sky.
“There is a lot of love in this community, and I thank you for that,” Minto said. “There are many neighbors who help their neighbors, and I’m thankful for that.”
In the Santi district, weeks after a devastating plane crash that killed a pilot and UPS driver on the ground, people continued to introduce themselves to each other during a trial period in the community.
“One thing is absolutely certain. “We continue to come together, no matter what the problem,” Minton said. “We are just getting better, better and better.”