SEVERAL DANCE groups, including Dannsair Dance Academy, The Learning Spot Dance Academy and Foundations Dance company added to the spectacle of Garden Grove’s tree-lighting Tuesday night at the Village Green Park (OC Tribune photo).

The Village Green Park in Garden Grove was thronged with people Tuesday night for the 10th annual Christmas Tree-Lighting, an event observed with singing, dancing and the illumination of the 40-foot tree at Main and Euclid streets in the city’s downtown area.

A crowd of well over 1000 people was on hand for the community’s opening of the holiday season.

KAYLA WENDT, winner of the 2016 “Voice of Garden Grove” contest, sang at the tree-lighting event Tuesday in the Village Green (OC Tribune photo).

Kim Huy, community services director for the City of Garden Grove, served as master of ceremonies, and entertainment was provided by three local dance companies, two choirs and Kayla Wendt, the 2016 winner of the “Voice of Garden Grove” contest.

The entertainment was capped by the lighting of the tree adjacent to the park’s landmark clock tower. In addition to the music and tree, there was a long line for kids and their parents to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Event-goers got light-up antlers and free cookies and hot chocolate and could buy tamales and more at a booth hosted by a local chapter of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens). Other sponsors included the Garden Grove Community Foundation, the 7-11 Market at 12971 Nelson St., and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Garden Grove.