Holiday Tree Lighting is Nov. 30

FALLBROOK – The official Fallbrook Holiday Tree Lighting will be held Friday, Nov. 30, from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane.

The annual tree lighting dates back 37 years, and this year's event will embrace both old traditions and new beginnings. Earlier this year, the original tree succumbed to environmental stresses. The county of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department promptly replaced the old tree with a beautiful 18-foot living tree so the holiday tradition could continue. The new tree has been establishing itself since early spring and is ready to be dedicated Nov. 30.

"This year to maintain the impact, scale and magic of previous events, the Friends of the Fallbrook Community Center are expanding the use of lights to create a 'fantasy of lights,'" event co-chair Judith Spaid said.

In addition to the lighting countdown, the celebration will feature nonstop entertainment, including performances by the Fallbrook Union High School band and Madrigals, dancers, balloon twisting artisans and more.

Admission, as well as the entertainment and craft making, is free. A free shuttle to the event is also available from the SonRise church parking lot located at 463 S Stage Coach Lane. Everyone is encouraged to carpool as parking around the community center will be limited.

New to the event this year will be a village-themed holiday market where local vendors and nonprofits offer fun shopping for the holidays.

"We had requests for more holiday shopping, so we've responded to that," Spaid said. "Last year's gourmet food trucks were also a hit and will be available again this year."

Co-chair Teresa Dugan-Mansfield said an entire year of work goes into this free gift to the community. The lighting is made possible by a collaboration between Friends of the Fallbrook Community Center, the county of San Diego, county Supervisor Bill Horn, San Diego County Parks and Recreation, Fallbrook Community Center staff, local sponsors and community leaders and nonprofits.

"It truly takes a village and the support of all of these great groups and residents to make an event like this possible," FFCC president Ann Wade said. "We are grateful and proud to work alongside them to make this happen. Inclusive, collaborative events like these keep our community cohesive and vibrant."

The group invites all residents and visitors from all over to come celebrate the lighting and dedication of the new holiday tree. For more information visit http://www.FallbrookCommunityCenterFriends.org.

Submitted by Fallbrook Community Center.