West End lights up for the holidays

Members of the Historic West End Business Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce gathered together with residents to celebrate the holidays with a tree lighting ceremony followed by festivities at the Saloon on Dec. 12.

Friends and neighbors came out to see the lighting of the Christmas tree at Ohio Avenue and top check out the newly installed decorative lights along West Beech Street — both part of a beautification project initiated by the Historic West End Business Association.

Sean Schaefer, of Peknic, Peknic & Schaefer LLC — who represents the association — welcomed the crowd and thanked the AOH, the West End merchants, Legislator Denise Ford and the City of Long Beach for helping to make the lighting and beautification project a success. James Lynch of the Walk’s Association and Rich Hoffman, President of the West End Neighbors, who worked on seeing the project to fruition, were also on hand to celebrate.

The Saloon’s garden filled with children waiting to visit with Santa, who arrived on a Long Beach Fire Department fire engine. Hot chocolate and cookies, arts and crafts, face painting and photos with Santa all created a festive atmosphere.

“The West End is a vibrant place to live and work,” said Schaefer. “We invite everyone to do their holiday shopping here and to visit some of the incredible restaurants and other establishments along West Beech Street.”