By Mike Harris
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
A roaring bonfire, free hot dogs, hot cocoa, plenty of holiday cookies and Santa himself will be waiting for Crestline families and friends when Goodwin’s Market hosts its annual Crestline Family Christmas celebration on Monday night, Dec. 2 at the Lake Gregory North Beach parking lot, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“The Crestline Family Christmas is a great event for the entire community,” Mike Johnstone, vice president and general manager for Goodwin and Sons Market, told the Alpine Mountaineer. “The purpose is to bring everyone together and enjoy some camaraderie and holiday cheer. Our family’s vision is that everything will be free for the public. It’s our gift and a time to celebrate.”
The evening’s fun begins at 5 p.m. when San Bernardino County Fire firefighters stack wooden pallets in the center of a fire ring at the parking lot, light the bonfire for all to enjoy and manage it for the evening festivities.
Goodwin’s Market will be joined for the night’s fun by area churches to spread Christmas cheer and tell the Christmas story.
“We partner with the local churches and other organizations to put on a great gathering,” Johnstone said.
Then at 5:30 p.m., Santa Claus will make his grand entrance riding in on a county fire engine. Santa, waving his way through the crowd, will make his way to his chair, where children can sit next to him and tell Santa what they want for Christmas.
Santa will be giving out gifts to kids 10 years old and under, and parents may take a photo of their child with Santa.
“It’s a great opportunity to get a photo of your child with Santa and for them to get a special gift from him,” Johnstone said.
Johnstone told the Alpine Mountaineer that there will be activities and games for kids, plenty of free hot dogs and hot chocolate, and free coffee courtesy of Higher Grounds Coffee House. Live Christmas music will be performed throughout the night.
“We ask that those attending Goodwin’s annual Crestline Family Christmas celebration to bring a canned food item to donate to our local food bank for those in need,” Johnstone added.
At 6:30 p.m., all eyes will be on the large cedar tree across Lake Gregory to watch the tree lighting countdown and celebration. The Christmas story will then be read by members of the attending churches.
Free parking will be available at Lake Gregory’s North Shore parking lot and also at Goodwin’s Market across the street.
“It’s a great time to enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and stand by the fire with your neighbor and family and get in the holiday spirit,” Johnstone said. “It’s one of my favorite events of the year. I hope everyone can make it out to celebrate the holidays with us.”
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