The 24th Annual Cordova Community Christmas Tree Lighting was celebrated at Village Green Park on Sunday, November 26. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - With the push of a big red button and a roar of the crowd, the Cordova Community Christmas Tree was lit for the 24th time Sunday night, officially kicking off the holiday season in Rancho Cordova.

Former Mayor and Assemblyman Ken Cooley, who is the 2023 Rancho Cordovan of the Year, drew the honor of pushing “on” to the holiday season before a crowd estimated at a record 7,000.

Event goers took horse-drawn hayrides around Village Green Park, miniature train rides around the 35-foot tree provided by the Sacramento Valley Live Steamers Railroad, took in a Live Nativity reenacted by the United Methodist Church of Rancho Cordova and visited with more than 45 businesses, community and faith organizations who turned out to help celebrate the season.

Hundreds of children of all ages consulted with Santa Claus and frolicked among the snowflakes which swirled in the air during regular Village Green Park “blizzards,” all leading up to the magical moment when the tree was lit.

As the tree exploded with lights, the skies filled with fireworks, topping off a perfect holiday overture.

“What a wonderful way to open the holiday season,” said Vice Mayor David Sander, who is also president of the Cordova Community Council, which produced the traditional event for a 24th year.  “It’s another beautiful night in Rancho Cordova, full of neighbors and friends.  That’s what it’s all about.”