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SEEING THE LIGHT
Christmas tree-lighting event returns in Ripon
Ripon Tree Lighting
The community came out strong in numbers in attending Monday's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Wall. - photo by VINCE REMBULAT

The Christmas Tree-Lighting ceremony is back.

No one was more thrilled Monday than Ripon Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kelly Donohue.

"I'm so happy to see all of your smiling faces," she said, noting that last year’s event was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chamber along with the City of Ripon served as the host of the event held in conjunction with the Hospice of San Joaquin.

Donations began in October – they’re also being accepted through the end of the year – in funding not only lights up the large tree at Veterans Memorial but support Hospice of San Joaquin’s programs for terminally ill patients and their families.

 Hospice CEO Rebecca Burnett welcomed those in attendance, with Pastor Brett Dood of the Calvary Reformed Church providing the invocation.

Special guests included Ripon Mayor Daniel de Graaf and the Clouss family -- they remembered their patriarch, who needed hospice care before his passing.

Donohue thought it was refreshing to see the community come together again in the event that officially kicked off the holidays in Ripon.

Coming up next for the Chamber is the sold-out Taste of Ripon on Thursday and the Christmas Light Parade on Dec. 9.

Miss Ripon Naomi Wilbur had the honor of clicking on the switch to the Christmas tree lights. She was followed by the Ripon High choir performing songs for the holidays.

Santa Claus, in addition, made an appearance made possible by the Ripon Lions Club.