From shopping for unique gifts at a converted barn to sharing secrets and hot cocoa with Santa, there were opportunities for community residents to really get into the holiday spirit this week.
Farmington’s Community Christmas on Friday night, Dec. 12 saw carolers entertaining the crowd before the fire siren alerted youngsters to the arrival of Santa Claus, coming in on a fire engine. Heavy rain on Thursday and earlier in the day on Friday lightened up somewhat, with a good crowd on hand for the festivities.
Fire officials estimated about 100 children took their turn visiting with Santa, each having a few minutes to share holiday wishes, receiving a candy cane and a small gift. There were also refreshments, including hot cider, punch, coffee and platters of homemade sweet treats.
Throughout the week, Lorina’s Edible Garden hosted its annual Christmas in Grandpa’s Barn, with a variety of vendors on hand with items ranging from Tupperware to Origami Owl to homemade soaps and Lorina’s own edible products. There was also music, crafts for the kids and a Coats for Kids collection done by the Escalon FFA chapter.
“I got some handcrafted owls and two handcrafted bracelets,” said Sarah Araujo, 12, of Valley Springs on her successful shopping venture. “They are gifts for others.”
Cajias said the event was slow during the week because of the heavy rain, but she was pleased with the upturn in business for the weekend.
“We have a nice selection of vendors,” she noted. “Today (Dec. 13) we have had the best Saturday turnout, very pleased with it.”
Lorina’s also said a Friday morning appearance on Good Day Sacramento helped bring people to the barn, which is on Enterprise Road between Escalon and Oakdale.
Later in the day on Saturday, Escalon’s annual Christmas on Main was hosted by the city’s Chamber of Commerce and included dance and music performances, a holiday light parade, s’mores, crafts, vendor and food booths, animal adoptions through the Escalon Animal Shelter and more, as well as an appearance by Santa. Serving as Grand Marshal for the parade this year was longtime teacher and EHS coach Pete Arellano, who said he would only accept the honor for his late wife, Sheila, who was active in the community, a Chamber member and former director, worked with the historical society and was a longtime Escalon Times reporter.
Organizers of Christmas on Main were pleased that the weather cooperated, allowing them to get the celebration in on Saturday before the next storm system moved in late Sunday.
