A wondrous walk

Christine Carrillo

Walkin’ along the Coast Highway, for the Christmas Holiday.

Ev’ryone shopping merrily, in the Newport-Mesa way.

The 24th annual Christmas Walk Festival, sponsored by the Corona

del Mar Chamber of Commerce, spread holiday cheer along Coast Highway

in Corona del Mar Sunday as residents and visitors gathered for a

little food sampling, entertainment and shopping.

Crowding sidewalks on both sides of the street between Avocado

Avenue and Poppy Street, adults and children legally loitered in

front of various businesses and restaurants as they chatted about the

holidays and took advantage of the cheerful demeanor of everyone

around them.

“I can’t believe how happy everyone seems to be,” said Janie Paul,

a new resident of Corona del Mar. “It’s just great how people are all

talking to each other and just seem real happy ... that’s really what

the season is about.”

With light poles and trees along Coast Highway decorated with red

and white tinsel and a sea of red and green balloons moving slowly

amid people strolling up and down the sidewalks, the event once again

attracted thousands of people.

And the jovial spirit of so many prospective patrons certainly

adds to the merriment of the event for businesses located along the

festival’s path.

While many of them give their share of discounts, food samples and

complimentary services, it’s really the spirit of community that

makes the event a success.

“I’ve come to this thing year after year for the last 18 years and

I’m going to keep coming for as long as I can,” said Thomas Verdeker,

a former Newport Beach resident. “It’s nice that the chamber does

this because it’s about the community and not making money. You can

shop and eat but you can also stand around and talk to other people

... it’s very much about Christmas.”

While the event did attract many people -- regulars and newcomers

-- it also attracted many of their canine friends.

As children enjoyed crafts and story time with Mrs. Claus, and

families enjoyed holiday carolers and a performance by the Corona del

Mar High School Madrigal Singers, dog owners enjoyed having the

opportunity to get their pet’s picture with Santa.

“This is the third time I’ve brought my dog to get his picture

with Santa,” said Tina Kirk, whose golden retriever wore red antlers

for the festive photo shoot. “The pure sweetness of [it] -- that, to

me, is Christmas.”

* CHRISTINE CARRILLO is the news assistant. She may be reached at

(949) 574-4298 or by e-mail at christine.carrillo@latimes.com.