An annual tradition was on full display in Downtown San Jose Friday where hundreds gathered for the lighting of a 65-foot Christmas tree at Christmas in the Park.
“It’s great to see the park filled with so many families,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
That included Yameen Shah and his family who were there for the first time.
“We got here at 5 p.m., we wanted to be here early," he said.
While it was the first time for some at Christmas in the Park, others have been going for around 40 years.
“My oldest is 40, so now I'm bringing the grandkids,” said Sabrina Moreno of Santa Clara.
But this year organizers are asking for the community’s help. The 44-year-old tradition has lost several major sponsors.
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“Some of our sponsors that have been with us forever don't have the means to keep supporting us,” Debbie Degutis, managing director of Christmas in the Park.
And that’s put them in a bind.
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Organizers are hoping to raise at least $100,000 in donations this year to ensure next year’s Christmas in the Park event can run as planned.
Donations can be made at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, or by purchasing tickets to the drive-thru light show at History Park.
“Our drive thru over at history park is this beautiful light show and when you buy a ticket to the light show, you help us keep the lights on here,” Degutis said.
Christmas in the Park -- an event families say has become a tradition.
“It means a lot because I’m blessed to still be here. And I can still enjoy it with the grandkids,” Moreno said. “It brings a tear to my eye, I miss others that have left us and I continue to the tradition, even if they're not with us, in spirit they are.”
As guests stroll through the park, they'll see a winter wonderland of displays that include dozens of trees decorated by San Jose schools, community groups and businesses.
Many are decked out with sparkling lights, homemade ornaments, and popcorn garland.
Christmas in the Park is free and open through New Year's Day until 10 p.m.
On Fridays, it stays open until 11 p.m.
