Oxnard Downtowners

HOLIDAY EVENTS: The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is coordinated by the Oxnard Downtowners, continuing a 60+ year tradition as a kick-off for the holiday season. The event provides the community a wholesome, family-oriented experience as the + foot Star Pine Tree (located in the heart of downtown Oxnard business community) becomes aglow with LED lights and decor The annual Christmas Parade showcases local youth, organizations and businesses, and creates an opportunity for the downtown merchants receive exposure to the 8,000 to 10,000 people that attend as participants and spectators The Pagoda Music and Light Show, coordinated by the organization, uses traditional holiday decor as well as modern technology transform the historic Pagoda in Plaza Park into a delightful spectacle with holiday music and lighting for the community enjoy during the holiday season The Holly Trolley Project provides three evenings when folks can hop on the trolley and have a tour of the downtown area and the Historic District enjoy the holiday decorations and fight refreshments

The Salsa Festival has been organized and produced by the organization for twenty-four years as a means to promote downtown Oxnard and show an appreciation for the local agricultural community with salsa - the food, the music and the dance. Over people attend the two-day event, giving the local community a financial boost for the weekend. About 150 volunteers help with the event. Features of the festival weekend include Salsa Dancing with Community Stars - a dance competition that benefits six different charities; a Salsa Tasting Tent which provides salsa purveyors an opportunity to showcase their products; over 150 art and craft vendors and multiple food vendors which provide something for all ages and tastes; entertainment of live Salsa music for dancing and listening; and a Kids Korner with tortilla art projects. Local non-profit groups that help staff concessions receive a donation for their respective organizations. oe

The Downtown Certified Farmers Market is managed by the organization. The market is a Thursday morning/noon market and provides an opportunity for downtown businesses to participate as vendors, volunteers, and/or customers. Fresh vegetables and fruits as well as plants and flowers are available for the community to enjoy. The market has a 26 year history, being one of the first farmers markets to be in the area. ooo nen ene cece ene ne ee ee ence enema