FRESNO DESK - Work on Fresno's Christmas Tree Lane begins in earnest in October. Tall Deodar Cedar trees line both sides of the boulevard. Some of the older trees rise to more than 60 feet in height. These will be gracefully draped with colored lights.
By December 1st, Van Ness Boulevard is always transformed into a Christmas wonderland. It officially opens only after a traditional Opening-Niter Walk when thousands of residents of the Fig Garden region of Fresno quietly stroll through the mile-long yuletide splendor in the night. Large homes line the boulevard and are softly illuminated by the lights on the trees and yard displays.
The tree-lighting ceremony kicks-off the 'official' beginning of the world famous Christmas Tree Lane. There are more than 60,000 feet of light strings and 100,000 individual light bulbs shining among the branches of the more than 300 Christmas Tree Lane as it gradually winds north toward the Fig Garden Village.
More than 100,000 children and adults will pass along that way. There is a charge for shuttle tram service that is being made available for children and adults. To board the Christmas Tree Lane Shuttle check with Brittany's Pooh Corner in the Village for boarding times.
Christmas Tree Lane Walk 2004 is on Wednesday, December 1st and again on Tuesday, December 7th
Lane closed to traffic 6 - 10 pm. Buses leave Gottschalks continually from
5:45 - 8:45 pm. and will drop you off at the beginning of the lane on Shields
and Van Ness. Cost of bus tickets: $5 (advance), $7 (day of event). tickets
may be purchased from any Gottschalks, Longs Drugs in Fig Garden Village, Gazebo
Gardens, Miller-Clark Nursery and at The Tree Fresno Office. For more information
you may call 221-5556, ext. 103.
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