by Jeanita Lyman / Danville San Ramon
Lighting of the Old Oak Tree, Small Business Saturday on tap to usher in shopping season
The Town of Danville and the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce are gearing up to kick off the holiday shopping season at the end of the week with the 49th annual Lighting of the Old Oak Tree and Small Business Saturday rapidly approaching.
The annual tree lighting ceremony is one of the town’s longest standing traditions and a signature event for the transition into the winter holiday season in the San Ramon Valley the day after Thanksgiving.
The Old Oak Tree itself dates back even further than the tree lighting tradition – by more than three centuries, with the tree’s age estimated at more than 350 years old.
The celebration will include longstanding staples such as remarks from the mayor, appearances by local, seasonal celebrities Father Christmas and the Snow Angel, and performances from local choirs. This year is also set to feature a performance from American Idol alumna and Danville native Grace Leer, who took third place in the show’s 19th season.
Festivities kick off at 5:15 p.m. Friday (Nov. 28) at the base of the tree on Diablo Road near West El Pintado, culminating in a countdown to the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., after which downtown businesses along Hartz Avenue will invite customers with open doors and arms as they showcase their wares and seasonal sales until 8 p.m.
Local businesses are set to continue being on display the following day, with Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29, “a day dedicated to supporting the independent retailers, restaurants, and service providers that make our community thrive,” according to an announcement from the town last week.
This year’s Small Business Saturday holds particular significance, with Danville having garnered California Main Street and Main Street America designations.
“The Main Street designations recognize not only the Town’s investment in our local businesses, but the dedication of our business owners to our community,” Mayor Renee Morgan said in the town’s announcement. “Small Business Saturday is a wonderful invitation to visit our downtown, discover the creativity and care behind our local shops and services, and support the small businesses that strengthen our local economy.”
Shoppers are set to be treated to a live holiday music soundtrack at Prospect Park Plaza from 1 p.m to 3 p.m. Saturday as they peruse specials, seasonal menus and holiday themed wares from Danville’s downtown businesses throughout the day.
