East Aldine celebrates with Tree Lighting

Large Crowds enjoy a New Holiday Tradition

EAST ALDINE – A new community tradition was inaugurated last Friday night, with a Holiday Festival that included lighting an immense Christmas Tree 30 feet tall, and many other family friendly events.

A very large number of people of all ages, individuals and families, turned out for the event, which ran from 6pm to 9pm. Some came for the music, some for the food, some for the activities and most all enjoyed the beautiful warm weather and clear skies.

The East Aldine District sponsored the event, along with the Harris County Sheriff’s office, BakerRipley, and Lone Star College East Aldine Campus. East Aldine executive director Richard Cantu said that they planned on making this an annual event, and that the Christmas Tree was from a commercial source with a five year contract to provide it in the future.

The multitude of people spread themselves through the attractive lawn of Town Center, some content to just view the night and others moving from activity to activity.

The celebration opened with the Carver High School Symphony Orchestra playing Christmas songs and other popular classics. The crowd soon formed at the food line, where delicious tortillas were being served. Photos around the Christmas Tree were very popular, and Frosty the Snowman stood by to join the photo.

Children and adults of all ages were awed by the presence of snow! One snowy patch became a friendly snowball battle site, while others slid down a snow covered sled ramp, a thrill only a few had experienced before this night.

A beautiful horsedrawn carriage, decorated with colorful blue lights, provided trips around the perimeter of Town Center, and again there was a long line to enjoy this unique opportunity.

There were other activities to keep people busy and having fun, too. Children and adults decorated cookies and made tree ornaments at the crafts tables. At a photo booth, families could don costumes and appear in a Nativity Scene with the Christ child, and get a photo of the tableau.

There was a raffle, where the East Aldine District gave out Christmas prizes, and to top off the evening, the Bayou City Car Club under the direction of Gilbert and Jennnifer Flores gave out toys that had been collected during last month’s Toyz in the Hood Toy Drive, and others donated. The club reported that they had collected a total of $3600, and thanked all donors. This allowed them to distribute hundreds of toys and gifts to needy families.

The crowd was estimated at between 500 to 1000 persons, and many brought lawn chairs and blankets to spend the evening. Parking was well managed by the Sheriff’s department, with Lone Star College providing space. Most people indicated they were having a great time, and looking forward to the event every year in the future.