Holiday Hullabaloo Arrives at Palisades Recreation Center

By CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA | Reporter

The 2018 holiday season in Pacific Palisades has not been one of traditions.

Caruso’s Palisades Village hosted inaugural tree and menorah lightings. The Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce traded “Ho!Ho!Ho!” for a Christmas Stroll—aimed at keeping local vendors included in the celebration and out of the shadows of the Village.

And on Saturday, Dec. 8, the first-ever Holiday Hullabaloo kicks off at the Palisades Recreation Center, created by

community members who were upset that a longtime neighborhood tradition was being swapped out.

But rather than shame the Chamber, Palisadians did what Christmas is all about and came together to contribute to a cause for the benefit of others.

The 2018 Holiday Hullabaloo, organized in just two weeks by Palisadian elves, will feature a homemade baking contest, toy drive, dance and martial art lessons, a parents “chill area” along with a free Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus photo op.

Help from the Palisades Rec Center, Los Angeles Fire De-

partment and LA city—along with contributions from local businesses and schools—have made the event possible in such a short amount of time.

“The thing I’m looking forward to, that I think we’re all looking forward to, is having the community come together and celebrate,” said Palisadian Lou Kamer, who has been heavily involved in making Hullabaloo happen. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to join and say hello to their neighbors rather than talking on Nextdoor.”

Prior to planning the event, Kamer approached the Chamber of Commerce to make sure the

event wasn’t stepping on any toes.

“There’s nothing that should prevent anybody from going to the [Christmas Stroll] to having pictures taken with Santa at Caruso, to coming and seeing neighbors while going to a bake sale,” said Kamer, who sees the Hullabaloo as just another opportunity for Palisadians to spend the holidays together.

While new events have sprouted all throughout town, so have roots for incoming generations of Palisadians who, 10 years down the road, can feel they’ve been a part of a tradition since the beginning.