75 CENTS
DECEMBER 1, 2016
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
Holidays in overdrive
FRUITS OF THEIR LABOR: Area professionals share their skills abroad P14 A MASTER PLAN: South Suburban working on a ‘guiding document’ for SONYA’S A look the futureSAMPLER P5
at holiday activities in the area P16
HELPING OTHERS: Volunteers distribute meals to those in need P6
Santa Claus and his elves celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season in Littleton by lighting the city’s tree on the evening of Nov. 25. KYLE HARDING
Annual Candlelight Walk illuminates downtown Littleton BY KYLE HARDING KHARDING@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The Christmas season kicked off in Littleton the day after Thanksgiving with the 33rd annual Candlelight Walk and Tree Lighting. Thousands packed downtown to watch Santa Claus make his down Main Street on the back of a truck, illuminating more than a million lights in the trees lining the street along the way. “It’s always such a wonderful
event,” said Eleanor Advincula, of Highlands Ranch. Advincula and her husband have attended every Candlelight Walk since moving to the area in 1998. However, she noted that the weather was a bit warmer than in some of the previous years. She said in colder weather the attendees seem to get more into the Christmas carols that are sung by a variety of choirs before the event. In addition to candles, carols, Santa and the lighting of the city
Christmas tree in the plaza at the west end of Main Street, the event had old standbys like live reindeer, hot chocolate and cider. “Every year we try to keep the traditions the same, but add something new,” city spokeswoman Becky Grubb said. This year’s features included a mobile Santa workshop display that came down the street ahead of him, a holiday float with the “Ice Princess” and dancing elves, led by “Elfis Presley” and “Danny Elfman.”
SONYA’S SAMPLER A look at holiday activities in the area P15
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
‘As a public school parent, I will put our children’s education first. I’m proud that my campaign reflected a broad coalition of Coloradans who came together to support positive change.’ Rebecca McClellan, winner of state board of education seat | Page 5 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 24 | SPORTS: PAGE 27
LittletonIndependent.net
VOLUME 128 | ISSUE 19