Claus is coming to town Claus is coming to town (December 02, 2005)

By Jon Wiener

Santa will be making a special early appearance in Mountain View next week, when he flies in to help light the city's Christmas tree at the Civic Center Plaza.

Organizers of the 11th annual tree-lighting ceremony are preparing to welcome Kris Kringle by inviting the community to join them from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5

"It's a time for the community to come together, light the tree and get ready for the holidays," said Rae Blasquez, the city's volunteer services coordinator, who said that between 1,500 and 2,000 have attended in the past.

Mayor Matt Neely will emcee as music groups from local schools and elsewhere perform holiday songs and revelers enjoy free cookies and hot cider. Old St. Nick will brave the elements and arrive at 6:20 p.m. to help the mayor light the tree, then stick around to take pictures with children.

And if you're worried that you've been more naughty than nice this year, you can bring a can of food to help build a "giving tree" for the Community Services Agency.

E-mail Jon Wiener at jwiener@mv-voice.com

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