SLO Reporter

‘Tis the season of celebrating the holidays with the City of Grover Beach! The Parks and Recreation Department is hard at work creating a magical selection of events to ensure that this holiday season is filled with joy, thankfulness and community connection.

“I love this time of year because there are so many opportunities to come together and appreciate the wonderful community of Grover Beach. Residents always demonstrate their true kindness and generosity at our holiday events, and I look forward to being part of it every year,” commented Grover Beach Mayor Jeff Lee. “The upcoming events will make my last few weeks as your Mayor even more special. I hope to see each and every one of our community members this holiday season.”

To kick off the end of the year festivities, the Grover Beach Police Department will be joining other law enforcement officers and families from all over San Luis Obispo County for the annual Cops N’ Kids Field Day. All residents are encouraged to come out to the Soto Sports Complex Field in Arroyo Grande on November 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a lively day of games, face painting, equipment displays, hot dogs, free t-shirts and so much more. Retro Bill is hosting this year's event after his Safety and Self Esteem and Assembly Tour around the Central Coast schools.

With so much to be thankful for this year, Grover Beach is excited to host its Thanksgiving Thankfulness contest for the third year this November. Community members can win fun prizes by submitting notes and photos of what they are grateful for. The best notes and photos will win the grand prize of a Thanksgiving feast from local businesses. Submit your message of gratitude to the Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Department by emailing GBParks@GroverBeach.org by 5 p.m. on November 17. Winners will be announced on November 18. In addition, the Grover Beach Police Department is also partnering with Vons and the Five Cities Homeless Coalition to distribute 25 turkey dinners to families in need at the event.

The merriment continues at the 55th Annual South County Holiday Parade & Santa’s Workshop on December 3 at 10 a.m. This year’s theme is Holiday Toyland, and residents are encouraged to donate new and unopened toys for local infants, children and teenagers at the parade. All toys can be dropped in the large red barrels at the parade registration table that will be located on West Grand Avenue or at Ramona Garden Park. The parade begins on 16th Street and Grand Avenue and makes its way to Santa’s Workshop at Ramona Garden Park, which will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland with five tons of snow that will make it feel like the North Pole. Don't miss the crafts, homemade food, live music, hot cocoa and the tree lighting ceremony at sunset that would even get Scrooge in the holiday spirit! Visit the Grover Beach Website to learn more about the event and fill out a parade application or call (805) 473-4580 for more information.

The fun doesn't stop there because the Holiday of Lights decorating contest is back! Residents and businesses will bring the streets to life with their incredible holiday decorations. Members around the community can nominate themselves, their neighbors and their favorite local businesses for a chance to win bragging rights. Residents can nominate businesses with the best overall display, best use of lights and best window paintings and decorations. Final judging for the business category will take place on December 8. Residents will have an extra day to prepare, as the final evaluation for home category will take place December 9 to bestow the following titles:

• Mayor’s Award• Clark Griswold Award• City Council Award• Best overall in originality• Extraordinary display of decor and lights• Best use of animation and/or craftsmanship• Best use of lights

To enter, submit photos or videos of your decorated home or business to GBParks@GroverBeach.org prior to final judging.

“The Parks and Recreation elves are working hard to fill this holiday season with enjoyable events for our community to celebrate the wonderful lives we have here in Grover Beach,” said Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Director Kathy Petker. “Nothing beats celebrating the holiday season surrounded by family, neighbors and friends.”

Follow the City on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Nextdoor to keep up with all the festivities this holiday season, and don't forget to tag the City when sharing photos on social media!

Original source can be found here.