Texas Regional Bank lights community Christmas tree

The San Marcos community gathered for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony hosted by Texas Regional Bank. Standing 20 feet and glowing a brilliant white, the Christmas tree is hard to miss at the corner of Wonder World Drive and Stagecoach Trail.  The tree is now open to the public for family pictures through Dec. 30.

San Marcos Police officer Claudia Cormier lights the community Christmas tree. 

Presiding over the ceremony as lighting marshal was Claudia Cormier, a San Marcos Police Officer that was injured in the line of duty earlier this year.

“We’re honored to have Claudia light the tree for us,” said Lance Spruiell, Texas Regional Bank hill country regional president. “Her strength, love and attitude through her recovery is an inspiration to us all.” 

Members of the San Marcos Police Department received a $500 donation for the department's Blue Santa.

The bank donated $500 to the San Marcos Police Department's Blue Santa in Cormier’s name. Established in 1972, the SMPD Blue Santa program delivers toys to children who might not otherwise have Christmas gifts. In 2018, Blue Santa provided toys to nearly 400 families and 1,400 children in the San Marcos community.

Prior to the tree lighting the crowd was entertained by Miller Middle School orchestra and Dancing Diamonds and Mariachi Nuevo Cascabel de San Marcos High School. The Blue Santa was also on hand to take pictures with kids.

Alicia Cruz and members of Mariachi Nuevo Cascabel de San Marcos High School perform at Tuesday's tree lighting ceremony at Texas Regional Bank.