Holiday Fair Brings Festive Cheer to Ramona Oaks Park
Ramona Oaks Park came alive with holiday sparkle on Sunday, Dec. 7, as the San Diego Country Estates Association hosted its annual Holiday Fair from 2 to 5 pm. The community tradition invited families, friends, and neighbors to kick off the season with handmade crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, and of course, a visit from Santa.
The Holiday Fair featured a vibrant collection of craft and holiday booths, where local vendors showcased unique gifts, festive décor, and handcrafted treasures perfect for seasonal shopping. Attendees were able to stroll through the park, discovering one-of-a-kind items while enjoying the fair’s cheerful atmosphere.
There were approximately 300 people in attendance and 28 vendor booths spreading the joy of the season. Sweet Marie’s Baking Company specializes in sourdough, custom cakes, and treats. Flavors available for purchase at the booth included Jalapeno Cheddar, Cran Walnut, and Parmesan Rosemary. There was also a variety of cupcakes, cookies, and Christmas bundles for sale.
Kids were entertained at the kids’ craft station, which offered hands-on holiday activities paired with tasty treats like cookies, hot chocolate, and apple cider available for purchase. Camp Counselor Cierra Filippone and teacher and counselor Liz Massey manned the craft table, ensuring each child left with a candy cane and stuffed animal. There was also a box at the booth for letters to Santa.
Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple oversaw the event and said they had a good crowd. She enjoyed watching the kids run around and seeing guests happy and shopping. She said vendors had a wide range of items for sale, from cookies, jams, and color street bags to crocheted animals.
According to SDCE Camp Counselor, Miranda Griffin, who works at the summer camp and afterschool program, the Holiday Fair is a great environment for families and gives vendors a chance to showcase their items.
The highlight of the afternoon was photos with Santa, giving families the chance to capture a special moment with the jolly man in red. Whether it was a child’s first visit with Santa or an annual tradition, the photo backdrop provided a picture-perfect keepsake.
Olivia Simonides brought her two daughters, Savannah, 3, and Shelby, 7, to the Holiday Fair specifically to see Santa. The kids enjoyed the craft table and holiday festivities. They used to live near Ramona Oaks Park, and even though they’ve moved, they still like to come back to enjoy all the events that SDCE has to offer.
The celebration featured live entertainment, including a performance by Ramona Julian Academy of Dance, which added festive energy to the event. RJAD dancer, Telsa Caraway, recently moved with her family to Ramona from Northern Texas. She was excited to attend her first Holiday Fair and to showcase the dance routine with her team.
Another RJAD dancer, Melody Hardesty, 11, and her mom, Gaynell Hardesty, were shopping at the Holiday Fair, and she was wearing her Christmas-themed dance outfit. Melody was excited for everyone to watch her dance, and she said there were 11 routines, and she was performing in 7 of them. Gaynell said it’s a really good atmosphere, and people here are happy and positive.
With shopping, activities, treats, music, and Santa’s warm holiday cheer, the SDCEA Holiday Fair provided an afternoon of seasonal fun for the whole family. It was a chance to celebrate together, support local makers, and welcome the magic of the season to the Estates.
Photos by Tiffany Pressler.
