FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - The 36^th annual Christmas in the Village celebration was scheduled for December 7, but the beloved event had to be canceled due to inclement weather. The Chamber of Commerce made the decision to cancel because the National Weather Service was reporting rain, thunder, and high winds of more than 30 mph.

After six months of planning, executive director of the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce Kimberley Pitillo said canceling the event was a difficult decision: “We had to make the call for the safety of the volunteers, participants, and spectators.”

Katy Coss, recreation superintendent for the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District, said that the District supported the Chamber’s decision. Coss said, “The tree will still be lit for the season, and the Village is beautifully decorated.” The District’s tree lights up each evening at 5:30 PM and shines until dawn. The tree will remain lit until early January.

Pitillo encourages residents to enjoy the festive atmosphere and “stroll through the streets of the Village for your last-minute holiday shopping and dining.” The businesses are festooned with garlands and lights, and the shopfronts showcase beautiful holiday displays.

Drina Dantes enjoys the holiday cheer while working at Sherwood Florist & Gift Shoppe in the Village: “It’s wonderful. It’s very welcoming, and I think a lot of people are drawn to it because it’s a more personal feel when you come into the Village. … People like that personal touch, and I think every store here in the Village has that. You walk in and you feel like everything is so uniquely and beautifully displayed and you get very personal attention. It really gives you an experience.”