Oxnard, Lake Casitas Plan Tree Lightings

Christmas lights will warm the night tonight in Oxnard and at Lake Casitas as people in both areas gather for tree-lighting ceremonies.

In Oxnard, a 45-foot redwood will be lighted at 5 p.m. in Plaza Park at 5th and C streets to commemorate the beginning of Oxnard’s annual Hometown Holidays celebration.

The Oxnard Youth Chorus will perform Christmas carols, and Santa Claus will put in an appearance.

There will also be a downtown parade at 10 a.m. Saturday on C Street.

At Lake Casitas, people from throughout the Ojai Valley are expected to watch the 6 p.m. lighting of a 40-foot Aleppo pine.

Firefighters from the Ventura County Fire Department will place a star atop the tree.

“We started out six years ago, and I bet we had 30 people the first year,” said Douglas Ralph, park services manager.

“Last year, we had 300 people come out. It keeps getting bigger each year.”

The Oak View Lions Club will serve hot cider, and Nordhoff High School’s Blue and Gold Singers will provide entertainment.

The park’s $5-per-car day-use fee will be waived for people who bring a nonperishable food item for the food drive.

An inaugural Parade of Lights was canceled when only seven boaters registered to take part and the grand marshal fell ill.

Organizers will try again next year, Ralph said.