Although COVID-19 has impacted many celebrations this year, the City of Grover Beach is continuing its tradition of igniting the holiday spirit in the community. The Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Department will host a special virtual edition of its annual Tree Lighting event on Friday, December 4, and will run a Holiday of Lights virtual decorating contest with entries open until December 16. Throughout the month, the City will also be adorned with festive light installations to help keep the holiday spirit bright.
To kick off the holiday season, community members can tune into the City’s Facebook livestream to witness the Tree Lighting on Friday, December 4 at 5:30 PM. Join Mayor Jeff Lee with special guests Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus who will demonstrate that even visitors from the North Pole follow public health guidance given these times. Warm up some hot cocoa and join this family-friendly event from the comfort of your home by visiting https://fb.me/e/1XtUDKPc4.
All Grover Beach community members are also invited to unleash their creativity and “deck the halls” as part of the City’s Holiday of Lights contest. Residents can nominate their neighbors, themselves or a favorite local business owner for the chance to win one of six awards, including the City Council Award recognizing the best use of animation and/or craftsmanship and the Best Business Award honoring the best overall business display. In addition to sharing the holiday spirit with fellow community members, awardees will earn bragging rights for their neighborhood or business area.
To enter or nominate a residence or business for the Holiday of Lights decorating contest, please submit photos or video of the display to GBparks@GroverBeach.org by Monday, December 16. Official judging will take place on December 17th and winners will be announced on the City's social media channels and website. Follow the City on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Nextdoor to receive updates.
“I’m proud of our Parks and Recreation staff for their creativity in adapting to public health constraints while still continuing our beloved community traditions,” said Grover Beach Mayor Jeff Lee. “This holiday season is a reminder of our shared purpose in supporting one another as community members despite these challenging times.”
The City of Grover Beach wants the entire community to enjoy this holiday season, but encourages residents to do so safely. This may mean modifying or changing holiday plans and traditions to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The safest way to celebrate this season is to spend time with people in the same household or to celebrate virtually with events like those the City is offering. When out and about doing holiday shopping and supporting local Grover Beach businesses, all community members should wear a face covering, practice social distancing and wash or sanitize their hands frequently.