Tree Lights Beaming in Biggs
Dec 07, 2023 09:29AM ● By Zandon Stinnett
Biggs streets were filled with royalty as queens from two pageants lent helping hands and sparkling smiles to the Biggs Christmas Market and Tree Lighting. Pictured left to right: Missette Butte County 2nd Runner Up Ava Cote, Miss Teen Butte County 1st Runner Up Gracie Yost, Miss Teen Butte County 2nd Running Up Maddie Garcia, Miss Agriculture America National Teen Queen Isabella Bastiani, Miss Agriculture America Butte County Teen Queen Destiny Hutchinson, and Miss Agriculture America Butte County Jr. Teen Queen Ali Khan. Photo by Hilary Bastiani
BIGGS, CA (MPG) - Downtown Biggs was aglow with holiday cheer during this year’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Market.
The event kicked off early at 3:00 p.m. the afternoon of Sunday, December 3, 2023. A collection of vendors were cleverly orientated throughout the blocked off stretch of B Street that held this year’s event. Snow billowed from the balcony of the historic Hotel Colonia to the delight of children and shoppers as they browsed the wares of local artisans.
Santa Claus, accompanied by his wife, took some time off before his big day to make a special appearance for “selfies with Santa”. The happy couple were more than thrilled to be the center of attention and accepted all photo opportunities from families and other attendees.
Midway through the event, contenders gathered for the annual Ugly Sweater Contest. All horrendous sweater bearers were welcomed to participate and compete for Ugliest Sweater. Contestants were divided into a youth group and a group consisting of everyone else. The air was filled with laughter and applause as the victors were decided by the audiences’ ability to cheer for their choice of who had the Ugliest of Sweaters. In a surprising turn of events, the Grinch was overtaken and defeated by “Buddy the Elf” contestant, Gavin!
The addition of an “Ugly Sweater
Contest” a few years ago to Biggs’ annual Christmas celebration has become a
fast favorite among youth and adults. This year a ton of “ugly” fun was had by
all, especially the little ones who donned their worst for the most wonderful
time of the year. Photo by Hilary BastianiMayor Brian Basset addressed the tightly packed crowd with a short speech and to give thanks to all who attended, and to those who helped make this year’s event possible. A special thanks to Nacho’s Electric for helping light the Christmas Village in Biggs’ downtown park.
Although Grinches were spotted
everywhere – one even infiltrated in the ugly sweater contest – they couldn’t
dampen the holiday spirit in Biggs, Sunday evening. Photo by Hilary BastianiAfter a short countdown, the Tree was lit to the joy and applause of all who bore witness to this small-town spectacle. The town Christmas Tree is centered around a menagerie of decorations and lights that radiate “small town” charm.
