Merry Christmas to All!

In the spirit of this holiday season, best wishes to all for a very Merry Christmas and may the coming year bring good health, happiness and prosperity to each of you.

We couldn't let this special day slip by without some fun, so go ahead, check out this special Christmas song, provided for your enjoyment!

The Village Gazebo Leaves, Part 1

Although December 6 was an eventful day in the Village, few paid note. For, on that day, the Gazebo, which has been a fixture on Washington Street since the 1970s, came down. Unlike the hoopla that often accompanies the demolition of towering structures in Las Vegas and elsewhere, the only crowd the Gazebo drew was the small number of workers who were there to dismantle it.

Over the last several years, the Gazebo fell victim to those who have not respected its rich history; a history that included weddings, receptions, family get-togethers, and more. However, there is a strong following of folks in our community who rallied and have helped to start a new and exciting next chapter in the life of our Gazebo.

Thanks to the Hi-Noon Rotary Club, and others who rallied to save the Gazebo, a concerted effort paid off when, in November, the Carlsbad City Council voted to have the Gazebo moved to the grounds of McGee House. Hurray! The Gazebo will have a new home in the Village. We expect the entire process - refurbishing and structural mounting - to take about a year.

If you are interested in being a part of the Gazebo's renaisance, please contact us at, friendsofthevillage@gmail.com.

A huge and heartfelt thanks to John Simons. You're a hero; thanks a million!

Carlsbad VIP Elects Officers, Charts Direction

The Board of Directors for the Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership, under the leadership of newly elected officers, has already begun the budgeting process that will outline the financial requirements for a successful first year of operation. Also, the Board is reviewing the role of the four standing committees, as outlined in the Carlsbad VIP bylaws.

Elected for a one-year term are; Frank Hutchins, President; Julie Baker, Chair-Elect, Laura Kurner, Secretary; Al Wanamaker, Treasurer.

Working together with the Board is Kennedy Smith. She will lend her years of experience where she helped guide start-up Main Street organizations throughout the United States. It is expected that Smith will soon file paperwork to secure a not-for-profit tax status for the Carlsbad VIP.

A Special Thanks

A special thanks is given to the following Carlsbad organizations that provided funding for the Carlsbad Community Christmas Tree in the Village - Hi-Noon Rotary Club, The Rotary Club of Carlsbad, The Carlsbad Village Business Association, and the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau.

So many good things have already been said the day following the tree lighting festivities at the Village Faire, yesterday. Again, thanks for helping to make this possible!

There's still so much more coming to the Village in the weeks before Christmas. Be sure to check out the post on November 28, "Holiday Events Now Underway in the Village!"

Joy to the Village, Our Tree Is Bright!

It was a great way to spend a December afternoon, with song and dance, Santa and his helper, and plenty of cookies for all to enjoy. Carlsbad artist, Lynn Forbes, sculpted Santa while the kids looked on.

And, like last year, the community was entertained by the Carlsbad's youngest vocalists. What a perfect way to start the Christmas & Holiday Season.

The Carlsbad High School Lancer Dancers kept everyone glued to their seats with their award winning spins, twists, jumps while maintaining those million dollar smiles!

The countdown to lighting the Christmas tree had to yield until the very last performance had ended and applause erupted.

And, as the crowd watched in wonder as the lights to the Carlsbad community Christmas tree went on, Santa's helper flashed a quick smile, as if to say, this day couldn't have been any better!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanuka & Seasons Greetings to All!

Photos provided by Kurt Burkhart