HUNDREDS OF MANTECA residents gathered recently at the Civic Center to watch the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and take part in an annual tradition — Christmas at the Center.
“We have run our tree lighting event here pretty much forever,” said Recreation Supervisor Eric Culpepper. Culpepper explained that the event has expanded to include more activities over the last couple of years.
The city’s Christmas tree is lit up during Christmas at the Center at the Civic Center in Manteca on Dec. 7, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Children cheer as the Christmas tree lights up during Christmas at the Center at the Civic Center in Manteca on Dec. 7, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
From left, Estefaniia Mendoza, Valeria Mendoza and Julian Venegas pose for a group photo with the Grinch during Christmas at the Center at the Civic Center in Manteca on Dec. 7, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Carson Teicheira, 9, and Emma Teicheira, 6, are handed the tickets to the “Polar Express” by Cass Durkin, who is dressed as the train conductor from the movie during Christmas at the Center at the Civic Center in Manteca on Dec. 7, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Isabella Patterson, 5, ties a bell to her golden ticket, a reference to the movie “The Polar Express” during Christmas at the Center at the Civic Center in Manteca on Dec. 7, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Throngs of people gather at the Civic Center in Manteca on Thursday evening for the tree lighting during Christmas at the Center. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Students of Generations Baton Twirlers perform baton twirling routines during Christmas at the Center at the Civic Center in Manteca on Dec. 7, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Paisley Lanza, 7, of Generations Baton Twirlers, performs baton twirling during Christmas at the Center at the Civic Center in Manteca on Dec. 7, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Manteca Mayor Gary Singh and his wife Nav Mehroke attend the Christmas at the Center at the Civic Center in Manteca on Dec. 7, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Attilio Mussi (left) and his wife Rhonda Mussi dress up as gingerbread man and woman during Christmas at the Center at the Civic Center in Manteca on Dec. 7, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Annabelle Herrera, 11, hangs an ornament on the Christmas tree during Christmas at the Center at the Civic Center in Manteca on Dec. 7, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local)
The event started off with live music performances, followed by young female baton twirlers showing their skills, the Christmas tree lighting and more.
The festivities included a candy crawl, food trucks, DJ music, Letters to Santa, photos with the Grinch, selfie stations, and more.
The city’s finance department building was transformed into the Polar Express, as a reference to the animated movie, where children aboard were given out tickets by city employee Cass Durkin, who dressed up as the train’s conductor for the evening.
The holiday lights and decorations will be up at the Civic Center throughout the holiday season and open for visitors anytime.
Harika Maddala is a photojournalist based in Stockton covering San Joaquin County for Bay City News Foundation and its nonprofit news site Local News Matters. They are a Report for America corps member and a CatchLight Local Fellow.
