By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
tree lighting 1
The Turlock Christmas tree in Central Park was lit up Friday night (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).

Community members gathered at Turlock’s Central Park on Friday night for the revival of a holiday tradition, the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. The Festival of Lights made a triumphant return after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic. Hundreds walked the streets of downtown Turlock before and after the official tree lighting, while being entertained by singers and enjoying some nighttime shopping as stores stayed open later than normal for the event. Christmas events will continue in downtown Turlock with the annual parade set for Dec. 3. 

tree lighting 2
Shayla takes a holiday photo with the Grinch during the Festival of Lights event (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).
tree lighting 3
Ricky and Tiffany Singh, along with Mia, 3, and Maddy, 4, visit downtown Turlock for the tree lighting, a first for the family (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).
tree lighting 4
Mayor Amy Bublak prepares the countdown to the tree lighting (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).
tree lighting 5
Ariana Flores of Turlock sings “Where are you Christmas?” before the tree lighting (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).
Paying tribute to our Vietnam War veterans
Vietnam Veterans Day 1
Rick Kindle, a Navy veteran and American Legion Post 88 member, addresses the crowd at the Vietnam Veterans Day event held Saturday at the Turlock Public Safety Facility (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).
The Turlock community gathered on Saturday to honor a group of veterans who have long been ignored at best, and the object of ire at worst.
Would you like to keep reading?
You have 1 free view remaining. Use your last view to read more.