Memorial Park turns into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ for annual Festival in Lights

On Friday, La Cañada mom Jennifer Langan packed up the kids and headed to Memorial Park to catch the annual Festival in Lights — it’s a family tradition that always kicks off the holiday season.

“We come every year,” Langan said. “Usually we try to get a picture with Santa Claus, but I guess not this year.”

Chalk it up to the fact that sons Nicky Reinoso, 8, and 5-year-old Matthew Reinoso are more inclined toward snowball fights than Christmas wish lists, or that daughter Maddy Reinoso, 11, seems to have aged out of Santa’s fan base.

PHOTOS: Santa Claus, reindeer, snow and more at annual Festival in Lights

“When I was little, my favorite part was seeing Santa and getting hot chocolate, but now my favorite part is playing in the snow with my friends,” said Maddy, who shared the fun alongside friend Amber Kim.

However, for most of the hundreds of children and parents who attended Friday’s festival — sponsored by the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce and Community Association — Kris Kringle was still the main event.

He was scheduled to arrive with a sheriff’s escort shortly after 5 p.m. But, thanks to the efforts of chamber staff, there was a lot to keep kids and families busy in the meantime, from caroling and snow piles to live reindeer and the revelation of the 2015 Miss La Cañada Flintridge Royal Court.

That was the main draw for the 14 finalists, hailing from high schools throughout the city, who brought entourages of family members and friends for moral support.

This year’s winners are Elizabeth Bromley, Charis Ghee, Sarah Kurdoghlian, Ashley Morrison and Megan Reilly, all students of La Cañada High School. One will be officially crowned Miss La Cañada Flintridge at a coronation ceremony during the chamber’s 103rd Installation and Awards Gala on Jan. 15.

Reilly’s parents and grandparents rushed to the stage to congratulate the new princess, as the 16-year-old posed for an album’s worth of photos.

“I thought this was a cool opportunity to represent La Cañada, and it seemed like a really fun experience,” Reilly said of her motivation for trying out. “It kind of teaches you how to conduct yourself and talk in front of adults. That’s something you’ll need to know in the future.”

Shortly after the announcement, it was Santa time.

Escorted by members of the sheriff’s department, Mr. and Mrs. Claus drove up to the park’s gazebo in a vintage car, walking into a mob of fans thick as a rock concert, camera flashes blinking. By the gazebo, La Crescenta mom Meghan Ulfeldt was already lined up with daughters Makenzie, 4, and 2-year-old Delaney.

What did the girls want to ask Santa for this Christmas?

“Snow White!” they both exclaimed. “Snow White!”

Several city officials turned out for the occasion, including City Councilman Dave Spence, who remembers the first years of Festival in Lights, 20 years ago.

“It’s gotten bigger and better every year,” Spence said. “It’s a real sign and symbol of how our community cares about the children and family holidays, and of the spirit of Christmas.”