Around East County: Oakley’s annual Christmas tree lighting set for Dec. 3
Attendees can enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies and have their children visit with Santa.
If you heard that the city of Oakley’s Breakfast with Santa event is all sold out, don’t worry because there are still plenty of festive activities to participate in throughout the holiday season. The series of activities kicks off Dec. 3 with the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting.
Festivities for the lighting, which takes place in front of City Hall at 3231 Main St. in Oakley, will begin at 4 p.m., with the tree lighting taking place when darkness falls around 6 p.m.
“While waiting for the tree lighting, community members can grab free hot cocoa and cookies, visit Santa and drop off your letter at his mailbox and enjoy the nighttime decorations we set up,” said Alicia O’Leary, a recreation and events coordinator for the city of Oakley. “This year, we are including an exciting opportunity to support local nonprofits through an online silent auction where the auction baskets will be on display at the Christmas tree lighting.”
The online auction is running this year from Nov. 29 (Giving Tuesday) through Dec. 6. All proceeds will go to the organization that created the basket, and all winners can pick up their baskets at the Oakley Recreation Center.
Main Stage entertainers at the event will include Jabris Rucker Children’s Dance, the Oakley Union Elementary District Choir, Step 2 This Dance, Dance It Up Performing Arts, the Freedom High School Choir and the East County Performing Arts Center.
O’Leary said the fun is just beginning for both young and old. The city is accepting children’s letters to be delivered straight to the North Pole. Letters can be sent until Dec. 6 and include a self-addressed stamped envelope, and the city’s elves will make sure Santa sends a reply before Christmas.
Santa’s mailboxes are at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave., and Oakley City Hall. Santa’s responses are limited to one per family. For more information, call 925-625-7041.
Next is the chance to participate in the city’s annual Hometown Holiday Decorating Contest. Residents are invited to decorate their own festive house by Dec. 8. Decorations installed by a professional service will not be eligible. This year the city will accept one-minute videos or a single photo with each submission. The entry deadline is Dec. 8. The public can vote on the winners from Dec. 8 to Dec. 14. Winner will be announced Dec. 14
The city is introducing a new elf in town, Oakleigh. New this year is Oakleigh’s Stuffed Animal and Elf Sleepover, set for Dec. 8 from 4 to 5 p.m. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite Elf on the Shelf or stuffed animal for a sleepover at the city’s recreation center. Before they leave their stuffed animal for the night, children get to make a fun craft and a snack.
The stuffed animals will enjoy an evening of fun and games, holiday training from Santa, baking cookies and reading a story. Families who participate will be sent photos of their elves/stuffed animals the next day via email.
“We originally saw the East Bay Regional Park District hold a successful Stuffed Animal Sleepover in May at Big Break. We thought it would be a great opportunity to host a sleepover for the newest addition to our team, Oakleigh the Elf,” O’Leary said.
O’Leary also said that new this year is Cookies and Cocoa with Mrs. Claus, set for Dec.10. The event will include several stations for families to enjoy, including do-it-yourself reindeer food, ornament making, cookies and cocoa and, of course, a meet-and-greet with Mrs. Claus. Community members can sign up for this event online by Dec. 6 at secure.rec1.com/CA/oakley-ca/catalog.
Boat parade: The San Joaquin Yacht Club (SJYC) will host its 25th annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 10 on Bethel Island. Santa will arrive at SJYC, l550 Riverview Place in Bethel Island, at 4:30 p.m.
Boats will leave the docks at 5:30 p.m. and head down under the bridge, along Taylor Slough and around the island. The boats will end up back at SJYC for awards and activities. Winners are chosen by the public, viewing the parade from The Rusty Porthole and The Sugar Barge. For more information, email gioscifi@yahoo.com or call 925-262-6166.
Roni Gehlke can be reached at oakleynow@comcast.net.