2013 Snoopy House Launch A Great Success!

SNOOPY AND SANTA ARE BACK!
Friday night was the kick-off of the 2013 Snoopy House presentation on the lawn at Costa Mesa City Hall and it was a rousing success - again.  You can read Bradley Zint's Daily Pilot piece about the event, and see Kevin Chang's photo gallery, HERE.

A GREAT LAUNCH EVENING
Several hundred people attended the launch of the 47th iteration of this event.  The first 44 years these displays were at a private residence on the Eastside of town.  Three years ago it was moved to City Hall when city officials decided to come to the rescue of the Jordan Family, who were losing the home to foreclosure.  Through the cooperation with Jim and Linda Jordan the display has been presented at the current site ever since.

A TRAIN THIS YEAR!
This year a train ride was added courtesy of the Orange County Model Engineers - those same folks who operate the model train at Fairview Park with free rides one weekend each month.

AND SNOW, TOO!

POLITICIANS ON HAND

City Chief Executive Officer Tom Hatch kicked off the festivities, then introduced Mayor Jim Righeimer, who also introduced dignitaries who were present.  On the stage with him were Mayor Pro Tem Steve Mensinger, council women Sandra Genis and Wendy Leece, Newport Mesa Unified School District Trustee Katrina Foley, Huntington Beach Mayor Matt Harper and Assemblyman Allan Mansoor.

THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH
Following the introductions and the presentation of appreciation to Jim and Linda Jordan, Righeimer led the crowd in a countdown to the official kick-off and lighting of the trees and City Hall Building.

LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment early in the evening was presented by a youth choir from Christ Lutheran School.  Local organizations will provide the entertainment each evening.

SANTA FROM THE 18TH-23RD
I didn't hang around until Santa Claus arrived last night, but he will appear each evening from December 18th through the 23rd from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  The Snoopy House, including the train rides, will be open from 5:30 - 10:00 p.m. each night through Christmas Day.

KUDOS TO ALL

This is a wonderful family event that is fast becoming a great Costa Mesa tradition.  Thanks to everyone who toiled for the past several weeks to put this event together, and to the Jordan Family for allowing the City to continue this wonderful tradition.