Variety

Dec. 4-10

By DANIEL OKAMURA

South Coast Beacon

Christmas Tree arrives in SB

The Downtown Organization brought in the Santa Barbara area’s Community Christmas Tree Nov. 25, although the lighting of the tree will not take place until 6:30 p.m. Friday during the 51st annual Downtown Holiday Parade, when the Holiday Prince and Fairy will take the honors of illuminating the 45-foot Douglas fir.

The community Christmas tree is sponsored by the Downtown Organization as its gift to the South Coast, and was donated by Southern California Edison. The tree will shine through all of December. For information about the Holiday Parade, contact the Downtown Organization at 962.2092 x22.

Light up a life

Hospice of Santa Barbara presents its annual holiday event, now a 20-year tradition of remembering loved ones lost. Memorial trees in Goleta, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria will glow with hundreds of sparkling lights hung with shiny stars, each representing those who have passed. The trees will remain lit throughout December.

Catherine Remak of the “Gary and Catherine Morning Show” on KLITE-101.7 FM hosts the three events, which include musical entertainment, guest speakers and an uplifting memorial service.

The ceremonies take place at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Camino Real Marketplace, at Storke and Hollister in Goleta; 5 p.m. Sunday at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.; and 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at the intersection of Linden Ave. and 8th St. in Carpinteria. For information go to www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.