Gallery • 3 Photos

Stefanie Chavez

During the 60th annual tree lighting ceremony at the Downey Civic Center on Dec. 5, Rosa Orozco, along with other members of the Downey Lions Club, volunteer to serve free hot chocolate to participate in unifying the diverse city. “Our organization is a service club and we like to be apart of the community,” Orozco said. “100% of what we do raise goes all back to the city of Downey.”

The annual tree lighting event at the Downey Civic Center took place on Monday, Dec. 5, where

the event consisted of performances from local school choirs, an area exclusively set up with snow, arts and crafts, and last but not least the tree lighting.

The Downey Princess Teen Court attended the event and congratulated the crowned Miss Downey.

As a member of the Teen Court in Downey, Ashley, enjoys giving back to the community while making new friends in the process.

“Being part of the community is very important to me because you get to meet new people,” Ashley said. “I learned so many great things while being here like public speaking, helping others more, etc.”

The idea of coming together as a community during the holiday festivities is what intrigues community members to attend, such as Zenayda Torrones, 12, whose favorite holiday is Christmas.

“I always attend the tree lighting every year because it has become part of my family’s Christmas tradition,” Torrones said. “ I just enjoy spending time with my family and friends.”

The utmost commemoration in this event was the celebration of the city’s 60th Anniversary.

As tradition called, a special anniversary cake was present.

The city of Downey has continued to follow its Christmas tradition while gathering the community together in an event that is worth the holiday cheer.