Catalina and the city of Avalon kicked off the holiday season on Saturday, with the tradition of the Christmas Tree lighting, the start of Shop Catalina, as well as plenty of music and joyous celebration. The tree lights were turned on by Avalon School student Jackie Fansler, who was chosen by the school for her Christmas Spirit.
New decorations were added this year: a sleigh being pulled by dolphins; mistletoe on Casino Way. Garibaldis lit up the end of Front Street and the archway on the Green Pier. The new decorations were a collaboration of Love Catalina and the city of Avalon.
New speakers were put on trees to help project music and presentations for the event. Those speakers were installed by Public Works and Avalon Smart Homes. City of Avalon Recreation Department employee Jen Diaz stepped in as an Avalon Elf, to help Santa and Mrs. Claus with their visit to the island.
The Jingle Singers returned to entertain the crowd and Love Catalina noted the assistance of several other entities in making the event a success: “City of Avalon staff, KISL, The Jingle Singers, Catalina Art Association, Avalon Rotary and Avalon HS Interact Club, Catalina Island Inn, Catalina Canyon Inn, Avalon Fire Department, Mayor Marshall and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus,” Love Catalina stated in their email update.
Business Decoration Winners: 1st place – City of Avalon; 2nd place – Avalon Community Church; 3rd place – Metropole Marketplace.
