Santa Arrives At Rossmoor's Winter Festival

ROSSMOOR, CA — Nearly four thousand festival-goers enjoyed an evening of holiday enchantment at the Fifth Annual Rossmoor Winter Festival, Friday at Rush Park in Rossmoor.

The Orange County Fire Authority helped Santa Claus make his grand entrance aboard an impressive bright red fire truck "sleigh." The live tree was lit by David Ochoa Field Representative with Senator Tom Umberg's office, 34th District.

The Rossmoor Community Services District First Vice President Michael Maynard kicked off the event by thanking all the dedicated staff, sponsors, and volunteers for their vital contributions.

Lieutenant Pat Rich with the Orange County Sheriff's Department gave some safety announcements and encouraged visitors to drop off toy and gift drive donations at the OCSD booth. Members of the RCSD Board of Directors were also in attendance at the festive affair.

"The Rossmoor Community Services District Board of Directors and staff hosted the snow zone, exotic petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, photos with Santa, holiday arts and crafts, a fire truck, and more," a spokesperson for the community said.

Families lined up for the holiday lights trolley ride. Vendors offered unique gifts for sale, allowing for holiday shopping at the event.

The impressive entertainment lineup did not disappoint. There were delightful school choir performances from Hopkinson Elementary and McAuliffe and Oak and Lee Middle School Choirs. Dance troupes wowed the crowd with energy and enthusiasm. Gourmet food trucks, which included Cousins Maine Lobster, Belly Bombz, Vivace Pizza, Dogzilla, The Donuttery, and Java on the Go, were flooded with hungry families seeking cold-weather comfort food and beverages.

The Rossmoor Community Services District would once again like to thank their generous sponsors: Title Sponsor: AYSO 159, Gold Sponsor: Rossmoor Homeowners Association; Silver Sponsors Jones & Mayer, Glowaki Chiropractic, Memorial Care, Brightview; Community Sponsors: Sir Speedy, Braithwaite Chiropractic, Ganahl Lumber, Betts Realty Group, The Youth Center, AT&T; In-Kind Sponsors: Orange County Sheriff's Department, Orange County Fire Authority, CR&R Waste and Recycling Services, and Care Ambulance.

The Rossmoor Community Services District Board and staff would like to wish you all a wonderful holiday season. Join us on Tuesday, January 14th, for our first regular board meeting of 2020 to see the Election of Officers.

Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.