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Photo Robin Fox
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WWith Christmas right around the corner, the man in red made a special early visit to spread some holiday cheer in Lafayette and received a rock star welcome from little ones. Rolling up in the town's vintage fire truck, Old Betsy, the bearded one proceeded with an entourage of giddy children to his temporary house, complete with big chair, in Plaza Park.
Bedford Falls has nothing on Lafayette. The fake town in the movie that shares the same name as the recent event, "It's a Wonderful Life in Lafayette" couldn't compare to actual children and real goodies, music, and a display of holiday wishes written by second graders, along with words of wisdom from the mayor.
Excitement and a bit of precipitation were in the air. Jodie Burciaga arrived early with her three kids while it was still dry - they were first in line to take a photo with Santa. Burciaga was hoping to get a picture suitable for Christmas cards. Uniformed Boy Scouts shepherded visitors toward Santa. Just across the grass was a stage set up with school-age singers. Lafayette Nursery School kids were the first group on the agenda, singing "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Throw in a sparkling tree lighting, food trucks, happy hour beverages for sale to the grown-ups, along with an activity house, it all adds up to the authentic wonderful life we share in Lafayette. In the film, angel in training Clarence says to Jimmy Stewart, "Strange isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA