Holiday cheer on the Ave.

Part of Burlingame's charm are the small town activities it continues to have year after year. Art in the Park, Cars in the Park, The Little Big Game as examples. The holiday open house and tree lighting is another example. Credit is due to the Merchants who have sponsored the event including some major underwriters like Putnam Auto Group.

When the economy is bad and many families are living with less, it's nice to see some activities that are inexpensive and fun. I hope the event was a success from the merchants point of view. Looked to me like many were going in and out of the shops as well as enjoying the parade.

Before the tree was lit in front of city hall, entertainment was provided by elementary school children. Cathy Foxhoven deserves a round of applause for coordinating the kids.

 

Soon to retire, Burlingame Police Chief Jack Van Etten walks along side the Model T driven by BPD Officer Bob Cissna with his passenger, soon to be former Council member and former Mayor Rosalie O'Mahony.

Comments

[Kevin Hecteman]

Wish I'd been there. Good to see towns still do things like this.

My family is former neighbors of Chief Van Etten. This is the first I'd heard of his retiring. Good luck to him in the future.

I'm curious as to whether anyone hereabouts made it to the Caltrain Holiday Train on Saturday night at the depot. How'd that go?

[Katherine]

We were really disappointed by this year's tree lighting and parade.

First, the tree lighting dragged on way, way too long. All we could hear was the politicians, and couldn't hear the singing at all.

Second, there was too much of a lull between the tree lighting and the parade and the parade had too many breaks. My nearly 5 year olds were tired and we left before the parade ended.

Finally, I wish they would not have had the carnival rides/ cotton candy and hotdogs. THe rides are expensive and the food unhealthy and none of it is in the holiday spirit.

2 years ago the Christmas tree lighting was great. This year a big disappointment.