On Saturday, Dec. 1, the community came together to light the large cedar outside the Anza Community Hall. This marks the beginning of the holiday season here in the Anza Valley.

Mike and Pebble’s and their team of mules delivered Santa, aka Eli Higgins, to the hall riding in their buckboard to the delight of young and old alike. Mike Scout is known to have a way with Santa’s sleigh and reindeer all lit up. Festive music played as children lined up to meet Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.

Santa’s helpers, Ivy and Larry, took pictures and printed them out with elf magic right on the spot while other Santa’s helpers helped the children make ornaments in another room, they looked a bit like Boy Scouts. The hot chocolate was just right; Santa’s cocoa makers had 4-H added to their names.

Cookies were given with smiles from Santa’s helpers in the kitchen by Taz and Sharon. No one would miss their dinner with Santa’s helper Lion Paul Anctil roasting hot dogs with all the fixings. A merry bunch lined the halls with different things for sale to help Santa spread holiday cheer. Advertisement

[ The Tutoring Center ] When the night had ended, all who joined in the "fa la la la la" enjoyed the time spent together and the spirit of the coming season. A Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas in the Anza Valley was made possible by Anza Valley Chamber of Commerce, Anza Community Hall Assoc., Anza Electric Co-op and Touchstone Energy, the Lewis family and their mules, Mike Scott with his reindeer train, Girl Scouts/ Boy Scouts, 4-H,Thimble Club, Lions Club and the numerous others who pitched in.

Local vendors attending that sale year round are:

Terri Ogden – Scented-non burning scents and Grace Adel handbags. Catch her at the different events and the swapmeets. (951) 265-3311

Bill and Norma Jiles – Christmas décor, wreaths, small trees, and more. (951) 218-5048

Annalisa Hahn – Sells her own handmade jewelry and repurpose cookie cutter Christmas ornaments and tuna can bird houses; repairs jewelry, too. (760) 835-9044

Susie Lopez – Handcrafted scarves of all colors. Proceeds go to support son in college. Just $10. See her at swap meets or call (951) 763-0219.

The Jam Lady – Jams with Christmas cheer. Try Donna’s homemade jams at the swap meets and various events; all taste great. (951) 763-9758