| |
Crystal Cove Alliance (CCA), official nonprofit partner of Crystal Cove State Park, will celebrate the holiday season with “Deck the Cove,” a complimentary family event on Saturday, Dec. 7, taking place on the sand at the Crystal Cove Historic District. Santa Claus is scheduled to make a special beachfront appearance.
The main event is the 17th annual tree-lighting ceremony, a tradition that has grown in size and scope each year. This year also features a plein air art show and sale with Crystal Cove-themed artwork and a holiday bazaar with plenty of local artisan gift opportunities. Deck the Cove will pay homage to Crystal Cove’s rich history with retro holiday décor and a unique spin on a fun family tradition.
At sunset, the Cove’s picturesque beach will be illuminated by twinkling lights and decorative ornaments on a statuesque evergreen tree. Décor will reflect the vintage character of the historic district’s time period between 1935 and 1955. In addition to the tree lighting, the historic district’s seaside cottages will be transformed into a seasonal display of holiday lights, vintage decorations and giant candy canes.
“We look forward to this tradition every year because it awakens the magical history and old-fashioned holiday spirit of Crystal Cove,” says Laura Davick, CCA founder and director of external affairs. “We hope Orange County families will bundle up to join our festivities and become a part of the most unique tree display in Southern California. This is an extra special time for children to get a few private beachside words with Santa about their holiday wishes. There is no better way to kick-off the holiday season with family and friends.”
Deck the Cove festivities will continue from 9 am. to 5:30 pm. Throughout the day, the holiday bazaar will have hand-crafted holiday gifts for sale and the fine art show and sale will feature recognized California plein air artists with paintings featuring Crystal Cove. The bazaar also will include a complimentary lesson on wire-wrapping sea glass found at Crystal Cove, allowing participants to turn sea glass into one-of-a-kind jewelry or beautiful holiday ornaments. Each participant will take home his or her creation at no charge.
The tree-lighting ceremony will feature strolling carolers and Santa Claus’ arrival at 4 pm. The Beachcomber Café will provide hot cocoa and homemade cookies while guests search for a prime spot on the sand to prepare for Santa Claus’ arrival.
This holiday celebration has become part of the Cove’s colorful history. The Coastal Tree, located next to The Beachcomber Café, will remain lit and decorated throughout the holiday season. As the only holiday tree display on the beach along the California coast, it is the perfect place for family holiday photos.
Proceeds from sales throughout the entire holiday season will benefit restoration, conservation and education efforts for Crystal Cove State Park and the Historic District. Parking for the tree lighting ceremony is located at Los Trancos parking lot on the east side of Pacific Coast Highway. State Parks will waive the $15 parking fee for the Saturday event beginning at 3 pm. Shuttle service is $1 each way.
About Crystal Cove Alliance (CCA)
Crystal Cove Alliance (crystalcovealliance.org), the official nonprofit partner of Crystal Cove State Park, is dedicated to preserving the cultural, natural and historic resources of Crystal Cove. Founded in 1999 by Laura Davick to stop a planned luxury resort from overtaking the area, CCA rescued the historic site and initiated one of the most successful public-private partnership models in the history of the California State Park system.
Today, CCA has expanded its focus to include all 3.2 miles of pristine coastline, more than 3,700 acres of backcountry habitat and 1,100 acres offshore in the Underwater Park. CCA has turned Crystal Cove into a laboratory for developing innovative educational programs and experiences that promote science and environmental literacy to more than 1.5 million visitors and students each year. CCA’s conservation work insures access by a range of recreational enthusiasts while maintaining protection of critical habitat and protecting endangered and threatened species.
The partnership between Crystal Cove State Park and the Crystal Cove Alliance has led to the renovation of 29 historic beachfront cottages now open for overnight stays, as well as historic education programs designed for the public. CCA is proud of the park receiving the prestigious 2007 Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation. A leader in fundraising, restoration, education and concession services, CCA is devoted to creating a sustainable future for Crystal Cove. Seventeen historic cottages remain to be restored.
For more information, please visit the website or call Laura Davick at 949-887-0062.
|
melissa[.]hkamarcom.com 
