Visitors to the Montelago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas on Friday admire the newly-lit Christmas Tree.
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 | midnight
Families took advantage of Friday's Christmas Tree lighting ceremony to get pictures of the kids in front of the decorated tree.
As Santa and his elf strode into view at Lake Las Vegas Friday, excited children cried out his name. Later surrounding Santa's chair, children gazed up as a 40-foot-tall tree was cast aglow.
In between, holiday festival-goers were treated to a performance by ICE, a team of Russian ice skaters whose perform at the Riviera.
Christy Jordan brought along her two nieces, Jennifer, 7, and Jessica, 5, who were eager to meet Santa. The jolly old saint and his enthusiastic elf strolled the grounds and asked to borrow Jennifer's and Jessica's hats.
"We just said 'Hi,'" Jennifer said.
Although Estrella Dela Cruz's grandchildren came for the tree lighting, they were awed by the ice show. During the performance, a woman skated on stilts, and two partners juggled batons while skating together. Some of the young spectators exclaimed "wow" as partners were dangled precariously in midair while spinning.
"The girls were hot," said Dela Cruz's 6-year-old granddaughter Hailey.
Her 3-year-old granddaughter Sydney said she wanted to be an ice skater when she gets older.
Scott Heimerman attended with his 5-year-old daughter Amelia, who got to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas: Polly Pockets. He said he was enjoying the annual holiday festival.
"I thought the ice show was pretty impressive," he said.
Festivities continue through Feb. 15 at the ice rink, where public skating is held from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $12 for an all-day pass for children and $15 for adults.
Every Saturday until Dec. 20, Santa will be taking visitors from 1 to 4 p.m. From 2 to 4 p.m. will be holiday performances by the Green Valley High School Choir.
Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].
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