A Very Merry Holiday Event

It was the most spectacular evening Ben Lomond has seen in the last 50 years.  Hoping to bring back some of the magic of past Ben Lomond tree lighting ceremonies, the new Ben Lomond Village Alliance decided to go full-bore with a wonderful community event on December 1, 2024 that attracted more than 500 festive holiday-goers!

The Ben Lomond Volunteer Fire Department was the perfect venue. 

As the guests started to arrive, the excitement started to build.  The bay of the firehouse (where the fire  engines live) started to fill with our village neighbors, and the merriment began.  When I look back on the event the energy of the evening was similar to listening to your favorite song and when the crescendo happens you want full volume.  We had full volume.  

There were craft tables where the children made beautiful gifts for their family.

The charcuterie tables were beautifully presented with cheeses, crackers, grapes, persimmons, apples, pomegranates, carrots, peppers, popcorns, peppers, veggies, ready for eager fingers to tip toe through a garden of delights.

There were bake good tables filled with family traditions going back 4-5 generations from BLVA families…those secret family recipes that have made your tastebuds dance since you were a child and you finally get the recipe when you’re 50 years old. 

Charlie Brown and the Merry Clampers were there busy cooking up a savory dinner of delights at the BBQ.

Meanwhile back in the firehouse bay, to build that Holiday Spirit, elves from came in dancing and singing “Santa Clause is Coming to Town.”  When they were done, the lights started flashing outside, sirens were blaring, bells were ringing, and horns were honking as Santa arrived on the top of the BLFD fire engine.  Santa and his helpers from our volunteer fire department threw candy to the little ones…Oh happiness.

When a small quick moment of quiet happened, the sound of a bit of Scottish Christmas floated into the air as a bagpiper blew into his pipes, and lead the guests, like the pied piper, out to the new veranda in front of the fire station for a special treat of Scottish dancers and Christmas hymns on the pipes.  The timid voices of the guests sang along.  It was absolutely lovely.  

Heidi and Blake showed their appreciation to everyone for making this Christmas dream come true.

Looking back over the evening, our neighbors had a merry time creating their own music, laughing, singing, and getting to know their neighborhood.  It was a beautiful “feel good” event.

Many many thanks to all the event volunteers, the BLVA Advisory Committee, the Ben Lomond Village Alliance Event Committee, and especially the Committee’s incredible Chair – Sarah Jansen-Mount!

Until next year, the BLVA wishes everyone a very merry and happy holiday!