LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / December 6, 2000

NORCO – The first “Holiday at the Oaks” Christmas celebration celebrated the season with a crowd of parents, children and staff at Norco Elementary School Thursday.

Stephanie Williams, principal of the grades 4-6 facility, and Rita St. Pierre,principal of the grades K-3 facility, greeted guests and climaxed the two- hour event of song, pizza and lights with a visit from Santa Claus.

The school’s band and chorus entertained the hundreds in attendance in the school’s bus circle under a cool, starry sky.

Soon, Christmas trees donated by the Norco Civic Association and decorated by each grade-level were lit by a single switch thrown by Sal Digirolamo of the civic association.

Parents brought lawn chairs, hot chocolate and blankets and applauded the presentation of holiday favorites such as “Silver Bells” and “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.”The drama department, under the direction of Claire Thames and Stephen Weber, presented a skit of “The Night Before Christmas.” The band, underthe direction of Darlin Brady, and the chorus, under the direction of Ben Blackwell, kept the program moving.

Finally, with the assistance of the Norco Volunteer Fire Department, Santa arrived, riding high on a fire truck, giving an early taste of Mardi Gras as children flocked to watch the parade of vehicles.

Williams and St. Pierre thanked the many organizations and businesses whocontributed to what is hoped will become an annual tradition, including Winn- Dixie, the Destrehan High School ROTC and Shell/Motiva.

The committee which organized the event also included Jan Moore, Becky weber, Wendi Kessling, Stephanie Centanni, Fenisha Charles, Barbara Taylor, Cookie Elmer, Bob Camba, Jill Simon, Larry Savory and Tanza Hamilton.

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