LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Official City of Laredo Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony includes call for participants, vendors, media partners and sponsors to make event a true community-wide event

 (Laredo, TX ) “Let’s help ‘Light the Way for Christmas,’” stated District VI Council Member Charlie San Miguel.  “Additionally, the City of Laredo has found a new home for its official outdoor Christmas Tree:  North Central Park.” 

Event organizers hope to blanket North Central Park, located at 10202 International Boulevard, opening, in lights, from the beginning path, trailhead facility and other structures at the front end of the park for a shining winter wonderland that will help light the way for the holiday season.   The family friendly event will be open to the public and while free, organizers are hoping that attendees will bring either $5 or a new toy to donate to the Laredo Police Department’s Blue Santa program, which provides toys to needy children in the community.

 “These donations will really help me to see a kid’s face light up on Christmas Day, often times, their only present,” said Blue Santa. 

 The celebration will kick off with the City of Laredo’s Official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the popular north side park on Wednesday, December 4, 2013, starting at 4:30 p.m.  All school, church, and other organization choirs, cheer groups, dance groups, bands and others are invited to sign up to perform at the event, which will run from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  The official City of Laredo Christmas tree will be lit, and the festival will continue with lights throughout the park being lit, as well.

  “What really makes this event special is the participation of our school children and community performers,” said District VIII Council Member Cindy Liendo, who is joining her colleague on council to help host the event.  “Traditionally, the official City of Laredo Christmas Tree would be housed at the Laredo Civic Center, but we have found a new location to light the tree this year, which I think will be just as fabulous.”

 Participants who wish to sign up can go to the City’s website at www.cityoflaredo.com and click on the link to download the performance group sign up form.  All performances will be limited to five minutes.  Call 791-7461 for more information.

 A special portion of the display will be dedicated to all Laredo veterans who never came home for Christmas, as well as those who won’t be home for Christmas this year.

“This holiday is ultimately about love and family, and as we light the way in the park, let us light the way in our heart to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may continue to celebrate Christmas, or any other holiday, as we wish, in freedom,” said Cm. San Miguel.    

 Additionally, vendors are also invited to sign up to sell their food and other goods.  All vendors must comply with the City of Laredo special events permits ordinance, which is a $20 special events permit. Food vendors must comply with all City of Laredo Health Department requirements and Fire Department codes, as well. No duplicate food products will be allowed and sign up is on a first come, first serve basis.  Sign up will be at the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department, located at 2201 Piedra China.  Call 795-2350 for more information.

 Finally, an event of this magnitude requires community sponsors.  A call to businesses, including members of the media, that would like to sponsor and be a part of this special event is being issued.  Visit the City of Laredo website for a Sponsorship Packages form or contact City of Laredo Acting Public Information Officer Xochitl Mora Garcia at 791-7461 for more information.