Downtown all dressed up and waiting for Santa

Last weekend, while many of us were curled up in front of a fire enjoying the first real rain of the season, the CBCA Elves were hard at work readying the town for the holidays.

By Sunday night, Santa and the reindeer were flying high over The Grove, red bows and green garland adorned every upright post and flat surface, the street lights will glowed with a warm halo and the tall stately tree in the gazebo glittered in full LED glory.

At the other end of Main Street, a menorah waits for the first night of Hanukkah on Dec. 16, the manger scene is ready for Christmas Eve and the official town tree stays dark…waiting for Santa’s arrival.

On Dec. 6, the city’s holiday festivities begin at 4:30 with the clip-clop sound of the two horse drawn carriages that will carry merry-makers around town. This will be the fifth year that Realtors Stephanie Lopez and Leigh Klock, the Moresi Family and P2C Foundation have sponsored the carriages.

“This is our favorite time of year,” says Stephanie. “We love the rides, the lights and the kids’ faces.” She urges people to line up early. But, they won’t be bored while they wait, she assures. Clayton’s singing group “Vintage” will be on hand to entertain.

At 6 p.m. the Tree Lighting party sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association, begins at the Gazebo with seasons greetings from the mayor and the traditional appearance by the Mt. Diablo Elementary School Chorus.

Be sure to bring an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots barrel.

Santa will then lead the short parade down Main Street where he will flip the switch on the city’s tree and the holidays in Clayton officially begin.

Then it’s a quick stop at the Clayton Community Church for hot cider and donuts before heading home.

The following Saturday, Dec. 13, the CBCA Elves will again be hard at work when Clayton kids are invited for Dessert with Mrs. Claus and photos with Santa at Endeavor Hall. The event is free for children under 12 (when accompanied by an adult) although donations are appreciated.

Later that day, Vintage will celebrate the season with a free concert at St. Bonaventure’s at 7:30. To learn more about this group, go to www.vintagetrio.com.

The CBCA sponsors the Art and Wine Festival in the spring, the Clayton Classic Golf Tournament in June, The Oktoberfest in the fall and the Clayton Bocce Leagues. Funds raised are donated back into the community in the form of gifts, grants and scholarships.

For membership information, go to claytoncbca.org.