Lighting up the night

On Dec. 8, parents and children gather around to see the annual tree lighting in the City Hall parking lot. Students from different schools, ranging from elementary to high school, performed Christmas carols.

Celine Spence, Public Relations
January 6, 2015

On Monday, Dec. 8, the City of Downey came together to celebrate the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Civic Center outside of Downey City Hall.

The event was free and featured entertainment by local community groups, food, refreshments, a snow play area, arts, crafts, and photos with Santa Claus.

Proceeds from the food and refreshments sold by the Downey Rose Float Association will go towards this year’s Downey Rose Float entry that will participate in the annual Rose Parade.

The actual lighting of the tree took place at approximately 6:30 p.m.

“The tree lighting was awesome,” senior Priscila Coronado said. “It was nice coming together as a community and celebrating the holidays.”

The event was welcoming for all ages to participate in and celebrate however they pleased. Real snow was set up for children to play in and experience a winter wonderland in their very own city; choirs from local elementary schools performed, and Santa even made an appearance.

“I enjoyed watching the tree lighting,” 6 year old Andres Acevedo said. “My favorite part was meeting Santa.”

Booths were set up serving hot chocolate, candy canes, and gift bags to advertise their businesses.

In order for the event to run smoothly, numerous volunteers were needed. Downey Alumni, Ada Hernandez, 19, volunteered at the event.

“The best part I would have to say is the actual lighting of the tree and the countdown,” Hernandez said. “HEearing everyone get involved in the countdown is great because we see how many people are involved and care about our wonderful City of Downey.”

Although people may have different views on Christmas, the Tree Lighting was the perfect time for the community to celebrate the season of joy and laughter together and celebrate as a united City of Downey.

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About the Contributors

Celine Spence, Public Relations

Being her first year on Downey High School’s online newspaper staff, The Downey Legend, 17 year-old Celine Spence wants to experience writing and working for public relations/business. “I hope to get a lot out of working for public relations,” Spence said.” I want to be proud of my work and outcome.” She wants to major in public relations, which is one reason why she joined Newspaper. Spence wants to challenge herself. Planning and other work will have her moving non-stop, besides her extracurricular activities.

During her spare time, Spence loves to listen to One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer. Spence’s elective of choice was to join the school’s Jazz/Marching Band, where plays the trumpet and is the section leader. She is also Vice President of the Sprench club. Besides school, she is part of a family of five and is half English and half Caribbean. Last but not least, she hopes to study in England in the future.

Victoria Rosales, Photographer

Victoria Rosales is a 17-year-old senior joining The Downey Legend for the first time as a photographer. “I am very excited for this year,” Rosales said. “On a scale from one to ten, I’m at an eight.” Rosales was recommend by a friend who was previously a writer on The Downey Legend; he told her she would have a great experience and she was fit for the job. Rosales loves photography so much that she wanted to do something about it. With this passion, she took her friend’s advice and joined.

She does plan to go to college, but she is still not sure what she wants to major in.

She does know that she wants to go to a Cal-State or community college, but for now she is trying to enjoy her senior year. “I like all my classes; I just hope to least pass with As and Bs,” Rosales stated. Although Rosales’ focus is on school, she enjoys reading; her favorite books are Looking for Alaska and If I Stay. She also likes to take pictures daily to improve on her photography skills. “I know I am on the right track,” she said “I just don’t want to make a mistake.” On another note, she definitely want, to go to prom with friends or a date, but that is only of many memories she will make. As Rosales works hard to stay on the right track, she also plans to make this last year her best. Rosales has a bright future ahead and she plans on getting there with hard work.