City of Lancaster Flips the Switch on the Holiday Season with Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Lancaster, CA. December 15, 2016 – Tuesday night, joined by special guest Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, the City of Lancaster hosted its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, complete with carolers and a visit from Santa Claus himself. For the second year, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies helped Santa deliver special gifts to a number of deserving boys and girls from throughout the community.

“Christmas is the perfect opportunity for the community to gather together in celebration of the true meaning of the season – the joy of giving,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “When we focus on ‘giving back’ to those around us, we create a spirit of true community. I encourage residents to ponder how they can give back – not just during the holidays, but throughout the entire year.”

During the ceremony, ten lucky children were surprised with the gift of a new bicycle, presented to them by Sheriff McDonnell, local deputies, and Santa Claus. These gifts represent just a small portion of a much larger bicycle giveaway taking place throughout the Lancaster community. This larger giveaway is being coordinated by the City of Lancaster, Antelope Valley Sheriff’s Boosters, Wal-Mart, and Grace Chapel, with hundreds of bicycles being donated to local children during this year’s holiday season.

Following the bicycle presentation, the children joined Santa and City officials to light the Christmas tree. Dedicated to the City of Lancaster on February 14, 1986, City Hall’s Christmas tree serves as a reminder of the community’s strength and unity.

“Christmas time is an opportunity to make every child feel special,” added Vice Marvin Mayor Crist. “We thank those who have partnered with us for the bicycle giveaway, not only for their role in spreading holiday cheer to children throughout the Antelope Valley, but the many ways they contribute to improving our community’s quality of life on an ongoing basis.”