Tree trimming with fanfare

Marisa O’Neil

City Hall held its first official tree-lighting ceremony Wednesday

evening -- for a tree with no lights on it.

With no nearby electrical outlets, tree-trimmers improvised,

shining track lights in the lobby on the 12-foot natural tree

decorated in red, white and blue. Though having a tree there is a

long-standing tradition, this year was the first time it was done

with any fanfare, including carols from Lincoln Elementary School’s

chorus and a reception for city employees.

“In the past, we just decorated it and walked away,” city

spokeswoman Marilee Jackson said. “Then in the morning, all of a

sudden, there was a tree there. This year, we wanted to incorporate

more of a community feeling to the holiday.”

The Newport Beach Arts Commission decorated the tree this year and

helped put on the reception. Jackson said they may expand it in the

future.

Even though there was no ceremonious flicking on of the tree’s

floodlights, which remained on through out the ceremony, it served as

a festive backdrop for the fourth graders’ caroling on the steps of

City Hall. As city employees finished up their work day, they

gathered in the lobby, peering out to watch the children sing, have

cookies and hot apple cider.

“They’re all dressed up so cute,” exclaimed Vicky Gallagher, who

works in accounts payable. “This is great. It really gets you in the

spirit of Christmas.”

Mayor Steve Bromberg and Councilman Don Webb also had a listen, as

they watched from the doorway.

“I think they think you’re Santa Claus,” city employee Scott

Watson joked to the white-bearded Webb, clad in a red and green plaid

shirt.

Outside, a small crowd of parents looked on as Webb and Bromberg

presented the children with official city of Newport Beach pins. A

few weeks ago, the chorus also sang at a Toys for Tots event at the

Four Seasons hotel in Newport Beach.

“She’s thrilled to be singing here,” John Murphy said of his

10-year-old daughter, Bridget. “This is the first one I’ve been able

to attend, and she gave me the: ‘Daddy, Daddy, Daddy you have to come

hear me sing!’”

Erin Dennison and Heather Feibleman, both 6, bounced and sang

along to some of the holiday tunes.

“I don’t know all of them,” admitted Erin, who was there to watch

her sister Rachel. “I just know some of them.”