The City of Clovis continued its long-standing tradition of Christmas tree lighting on Monday, Dec. 3 outside of the Clovis City Council.
Dozens of Clovis families watched as the city council members took a break from their weekly meeting to lead the festivities, which included lighting the Christmas tree, singing Christmas carols and a special appearance from Santa Claus.
“For all of the years that we have been doing this, this might have been one of the largest turnouts we had,” Clovis Mayor Bob Whalen said. “It takes a lot of work for people to put this Christmas tree lighting on. They do it with such great joy. I’m happy that they feel the Christmas spirit empowering them to make sure this event goes on so smoothly like it did tonight.”
Students from Clark Intermediate School and Clovis High School were also present to sing Christmas carols.
“I love Clark Intermediate School,” Whalen said. “They always come out with loud voices, singing great Christmas carols as well as Clovis High School.”
As Santa made his way through this year’s holiday crowd, he was accompanied by his little helpers.
“They’re a part of an arts and crafts class. They have been working on their Santa’s helpers outfits for a very long time,” Whalen said. “I thought they looked really cute tonight. I’m so happy to see them tonight.”
Whalen added that the annual event is important for bringing the community together.
“It’s another opportunity for us to gather folks together to feel like they do belong to a community, that there is a place they can gather, sing Christmas carols, light a Christmas tree and share that experience with their neighbors and other folks in the community,” he said. “This is another example of why people love to live in the community of Clovis.”