The annual Stockton Delta Reflections Light Boat Parade has been canceled for this year.
The reason for that is the unprecedented outbreak of water hyacinth.
Officials of the event – this unique and colorful parade on these waterways has been around for 34 years – sponsored by the Marina West Yacht Club were saddened by the recent announcement.
The hazardous hyacinth has blanketed the Delta like never seen before. Many believe the outbreak of the water weeds is due to the recent drought coupled with warm conditions.
Still, the holidays along the Delta will continue on even without the boat parade.
There’s the Winter Extravaganza planned for the Weber Point Event Center at 221 N. Center St. on Saturday, Dec. 6.
From 4 to 5 p.m., this admission-free event will feature free music along with Starbucks drinks and food. Snacks and glow sticks will also be available as well as Christmas photo booth.
The tree lighting is set for 5 o’clock followed by food and festivities throughout the evening.
At 5:30, Mayor Anthony Silva will have the honors of doing the tree lighting.
All sales from this event will benefit 200 homeless men, women and children at the Gospel Center Rescue Mission & Gleason House Medical Clinic.
For more information, call 209.320.2311 or email cdo@gcrms.org.
Lincoln Center
Santa Claus and Christmas train and carriage rides are available at Lincoln Center between now and Christmas Eve.
Children can visit Jolly Old St. Nick in his house on the Brickwalk from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday (Dec. 6); noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday (Dec. 7); 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 12); 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 13); 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 14); 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 19); noon to 6 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 20); 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 21), and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday (Dec. 24).
Train and carriage rides are free for the kids.
Lincoln Center North is home to the Lyall A. Luke’s Snow Village display. This is a grand landscape in miniature form, consisting of a medley of city, villages, farms and snow country.
For more information, call 209.477.4868 or log on to info@lincolncentershops.com.
Stockton Chorale
The Stockton Chorale will perform “A Tropical Christmas” at the Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Ave., on Friday, Dec. 5, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The concert will feature music from the tropics around the world – Caribbean, Nigeria, Latin America, the Philippines, etc.
The highlight promises to be favorite Christmas tunes coupled with sing-along sessions to carols but with a twist.
Cost is $20 adults / seniors in advance, $25 at the door, and $5 for children age 5 and older and full-time students.
For more information, call 209.951.6494 or log on to info@stocktonchorale.org.
Holiday Variety Show
The Bear Creek Community Church at 11171 N. Lower Sacramento Rd. will a host a series of skits and songs called “Holiday Variety Show: Engaging the Christmas Spirit.”
Entrance is free for the event scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m.
Donations will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit the Young Adult Ministry from Emanuel Lutheran Church and Bear Creek Community Church of Lodi.
For more information, call Amanda at 209.951.9229 or email amandachurches@bearcreekchurch.com.
Sound of Music
The hills will be alive (again) on Thursday, Dec. 4, with Rogers & Hammerstein’s “Sound of Music.”
This beloved musical will be performed through Dec. 14 at the Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rosemarie Lane, starring Lydia Merriam-Pigg as Maria.
Directed by Jim Coleman, the performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25 adults, $21 seniors, and $15 for student / children. The box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, call 209.473.2424 or log on to info@sctlivetheatre.com.
