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Community Corner

Holiday Season Kicks Off in Town Square Park

Town Square Park in Murrieta was filled with decorated Christmas trees, a live nativity, and dozens of vendors Saturday evening. In addition, a tree lighting ceremony took place shortly after 7 p.m. which kicked off the holiday season.

To kick off the holiday season in Murrieta, the community gathered for a number of festivities that took place in Town Square Park Saturday evening. 

Of those events, the City’s Annual Push Cart Parade began at Washington Avenue and Kalmia Street and ended back at Town Square Park, where more than a dozen local church and high school choirs performed on stage.

Councilman Alan Long, who was appointed to serve on a subcommittee for the festivities, described the events as “way beyond expectations” and explained that the number of people who attended was “huge” compared to last year.

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Shortly after 7 p.m., Rhonda Parish from St. Martha’s Catholic Church, led all choir participants in a combined performance of "Silent Night." Just after the performance, a 35-foot Coastal Redwood tree that was donated to the city by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Murrieta Stake, lit up the park, followed by a group performance of "Joy to the World" led by Pastor Teresa Taylor of The Rock Church.

According to Murrieta resident Jim Perkins, who was a key contributor in the planting of the tree, it is hopeful that the tree will grow to be at least 80 feet tall. The planting of the tree has also sparked a new tradition for the City of Murrieta, as plans are to continue the tree lighting ceremony at Town Square Park for years to come.

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Laura Frasso, City of Murrieta special events coordinator, played a major role in organizing this year’s festivities at Town Square Park.

“We have had an amazing turnout for the first time of having the tree lighting here and the whole festival of trees," Frasso said. "We have a lot of people here and we have a good turnout for the parade, so this is a real strong year for the city and we are really glad everyone came out. As long as the people come out and want to be involved in our festivities then we will give it to them. 

"So with the tree being in the park for the very first time, a live nativity and carriage rides, Town Square Park will hopefully be the place to be in the future years for the holidays.”

According to the City of Murrieta’s Holiday Magic guide, more holiday festivities are to follow. These include: Letters from Santa, Holiday Food & Toy Drive, Holiday Lights Contest, and Santa Stops throughout the city. For more information on these events, visit www.murrieta.org

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