Shafter lights up downtown in celebration

The City of Shafter has had a longstanding tradition of lighting their Christmas tree downtown with a celebration involving the entire community, complete with music, food, drinks and fun.

This year they also had a few extra groups to celebrate as they recognized several local sports teams who have had extraordinary years in 2024. Of course, the event wouldn't be complete without a visit from the jolly man in red and white, who arrived and took pictures with the children.

Mayor Chad Givens welcomed a large crowd to the event, as Shafter's Distinguished Young Woman Camryn Eubanks threw the switch that lit up the tall tree located in the Downtown Square.

The music was provided by the court of the DYW, who performed a song, as well as the Richland Junior High Choir, the Richland String Quartet, and the Richland Guitars. Jess Alberto also sang two songs that delighted the crowd. The Shafter Police Department was on hand offering games for the kids, as well as the Shafter Library and Learning Center that gave away free backpacks. Shafter Animal Control handed out stuffed animals, while North Kern Christian School provided free popcorn. There was also plenty of food and drinks for sale, including Agua Fresca by Karen, Frenchies Mini Donuts, 5's Pizza, and Sabor BBQ. The Shafter Lions Club provided the "weather" for the event, operating a snow machine that coated the courtyard with snow.

Sports teams who were honored included the Shafter High girls varsity tennis team, who finished the season in second place in the SSL, and went all the way to the Central Section Division IV championship match.

The Shafter High girls volleyball team was next, along with their coach Sabrina Macias. The group was recognized for their undefeated SSL season and their semifinal appearance in the Valley playoffs.

The Shafter High Generals football team were honored for another successful year, finishing the SSL undefeated and playing in their second Valley Championship game in three years.

Also honored on the night were three of the Shafter Youth Football Commanders teams, who each won National Conference championships in the Golden Empire Youth Football playoffs. The freshman team ended the season with a 7-3 record and a title, the sophomore team went 10-2 for a championship, and the varsity team had an 11-1 record and the championship.

The evening was concluded with jolly Saint Nick arriving in an antique fire truck, provided by the Minter Field Air Museum. Santa talked to the kids, got their Christmas wishes, and posed for pictures. Mayor Givens told the crowd that the event was an important one that really depicted the spirit of the city. "Christmas is a time for family, such as lighting the Christmas tree, and that what the city of Shafter is, one big community and family."