Community Corner
Slideshow: Smiles, Songs and Santa Light Up the Night
Let the holiday merriment in Belmont begin!
Now in its 40-something year (organizers have lost count), the traditional lighting of the Carlmont Shopping Center holiday tree Monday night was the place to be.
The annual tree lighting, sponsored by the Carlmont Merchants Association, was a family affair, bringing kids of all ages and their parents to the center on a moonlit night wedged somewhere between homework and bedtime.
The highlight of Monday's event was the caroling provided by choruses from six schools: Tri-School (Mercy, Notre Dame and Serra), Notre Dame Elementary, Immaculate Heart of Mary, and Central Elementary School.
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In addition to the music, a visit by Santa, and refreshments, crafts vendors set up tables along the shopping center's sidewalk selling everything from Giants ornaments to homebaked cookies.
Click on the slideshow above for highlights from Monday's tree lighting.
Santa then visited with children (more nice than naughty) in front of Yoppi's Yogurt.
This year marks the end of an era, as Lenore Griffin, Carlmont Shopping Center's merchant association manager and event planner, announced her retirement at the end of the year.
Lenore, who has personally overseen 37 annual tree lightings, was pleased with the turnout for her final hurrah.
"This is my 37th tree lighting and I've enjoyed every moment of working here and am glad to move on. It's time for someone new to take over the reigns," said Griffin.
Mike Picone will take over as the center's new manager on January 1, 2014.
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