Over 2,000 children of all ages and their parents enjoyed an evening of holiday magic at the Second Annual Rossmoor Winter Festival, Friday, Dec. 9. RCSD President Tony DeMarco gave the opening remarks, and Senator Janet Nguyen and her son Tommy hosted the tree lighting ceremony. Also in attendance were Orange County Supervisor Steel’s Field Representative, Tim Whitacre and the entire RCSD Board of Directors.
Over 2,000 children of all ages and their parents enjoyed an evening of holiday magic at the Second Annual Rossmoor Winter Festival, Friday, Dec. 9. RCSD President Tony DeMarco gave the opening remarks, and Senator Janet Nguyen and her son Tommy hosted the tree lighting ceremony. Also in attendance were Orange County Supervisor Steel’s Field Representative, Tim Whitacre and the entire RCSD Board of Directors.
The board and staff hosted the event at Rush Park in Rossmoor in cooperation with the Rossmoor Homeowners Association. Live reindeer, photos with Santa, holiday arts and crafts, a bounce house, fire truck and a holiday movie screening were available. Many families eagerly lined up for the holiday lights trolley ride.
“Seeing the kids’ faces light up when they caught a glimpse of a live reindeer was priceless,” said General Manager Jim Ruth. “I think we’re going to have to add a third trolley next year. Events like this really build tradition and bring the entire community together.”
An awesome entertainment lineup did not disappoint.
There were school choir performances from Hopkinson Elementary, as well as McAuliffe and Oak Middle School Choirs. Popular Neil Diamond tribute performer, Jason Lohrke belted out favorites like ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘I Am’ and “The Dinosaurs” rock band played memorable hits while residents danced the night away.
The Seal Beach Lions Club hosted the beer garden once again and the gourmet food trucks were flooded with hungry families.
Although another food truck had been added since last year, the vendors struggled to keep up with the demand.
“I think we’re going to add another food truck next year,” stated Director Bill Kahlert. “People really like comfort food in the cold weather.”
After the event, Senator Nguyen tweeted, “Tommy was so excited to see the reindeer at last night’s @RossmoorCSD Tree Lighting Ceremony! #MerryChristmas”
Find out how you can participate in next year’s event as a vendor, sponsor or volunteer, by visiting www.rossmoorwinterfestival.com or contacting Chris Argueta at 562-430-3707 x107 and/or rcsd@rossmoor-csd.org.
