10th Annual Tree for Peace lighting happens in Salinas

The holiday season is officially underway in Downtown Salinas.

The Christmas tree in front of CSUMB @ Salinas City Center on Main Street was lit Monday evening.

Plenty of local musicians and non-profits came out to mark the occasion. City officials too were part of it, including Salinas mayor Joe Gunter and event chair, city council member Steve McShane. McShane also donated the tree through his nursery.

McShane says this year’s Tree for Peace ceremony is one of the best yet as Downtown Salinas continues to grow as a vibrant part of the community.

“D owntown Salinas is our number one tourist attraction and every year we see more and more growth, people coming downtown to shop to play and to stay,” he said.

The event leads up to two other big events happening over the weekend including Shop Small Saturday and the Parade of Lights, Sunday at six.

The Salinas Christmas tree will stay up until the New Year.