The man in red
makes an early appearance at tree lighting
By Lori
Bledsoe
The Alpine Sun
 ALPINE
— People gathered from all over the county to watch as Viejas
Outlet Center lit its grand Christmas tree with style.
Philip, Laci, Nikki and Anthony from the KYLA, Kumeyaay
Youth Leadership Alliance, joined Kat Fitzpatrick and Bryant
Callahan who helped to bring Santa and Mrs. Clause to life in the
center of Viejas Outlet Center to light the tree in a glittering
extravaganza. Appearances by Rudolph and Frosty also added to the
excitement, as many of the children had their first glimpse of the
Christmas characters this year.
A fake snow machine shot small bits of tissue into the
air as Santa made his way to the stage, shaking hands, kissing
babies and collecting letters from young fans along the way.
The center of the Viejas Outlet Center boasts a huge
Christmas Tree that stands 87 feet tall, decked with a half mile
of garland, 54,000 ornaments and laced with 22,000 lights. The
tree takes a full three days to assemble and with the help of a
crane, the top of the tree is graced with a golden eagle.
On Saturday evening, after a few magic words from Santa
the tree exploded in a flurry of bright pyrotechnics and then
stayed lit with colorful lights and giant baubles.
Also on Saturday, Nov. 18, the Ice Princess Show premiered. The
public will have the opportunity to meet Crystal every Thursday
night for photo opportunities.
Upcoming winter events at the Viejas Outlet Center
include a Midnight Madness sale that starts on Nov. 24 at 12:01
a.m. Twenty stores will be open — the rest of will open at 6 a.m.
On Dec. 9, Viejas will be shoveling 20 tons of snow into the
park area at the outlet center to celebrate the Viejas Snow
Festival, where children can meet Santa and ride sleds, build
snowmen and everyone can enjoy the music and caroling.
This event is free to the public, however Viejas is a
asking all to donate to the Salvation Army or East County Toy and
Food Drive.
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