Ramona Christmas Tree Lighting Tonight Promises Entertainment

Ramona's talent show winners from earlier this year will be among the entertainment tonight at , during the annual Ramona Chamber Christmas Tree Lighting.

About 20 volunteers were at work Saturday installing lighting, signs and decorations in anticipation of the event.

The Christmas tree is the 20-foot-tall Monterey pine that was planted in the park for last year's event.

"We want to establish this as an annual event, with our own planted tree that we can use each year," Holly Romo of said.

The tree was donated by Ramona Garden Club last year. It has grown since then, thanks to Collier Park maintenance staff who have tended it all year, Romo said.

The color guard from Troop 679 San Vicente will open the evening's show at 5 p.m. in one of the pavilions, followed by Miss Ramona Grace Woolley singing the National Anthem.

Children can sit on Santa's knee from 5:15 p.m. onward and have their photos taken. Parents can purchase the photos for $5 and pick them up from the chamber office before Christmas.

The lights on the tree will be turned on at 5:30 p.m.

The evening's line up of entertainment will include:

5:15 p.m. Rockettes

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Gin Boughner's singing students

6:30 - 7:15 p.m. the town hall talent show winners

7:15 - 7:50 p.m. Ramona Julian Academy of Dance

7:50 - 8 p.m. Ramona Martial Arts breaking demonstration

The event will conclude at 8 p.m. Honorary Mayor Sharon Davis strongly encourages everyone to dress warmly and bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.

The County Department of Parks and Recreation has provided the use of Collier Park free of charge for this event, Romo said. The park is at 626 E. Street.

Major sponsors include SDG&E and Jim Hill, DDS. A full list of sponsors is attached.