Christmas Tree Lane’s Walk Nights could end: This is why

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A beloved Christmas tradition could be nearing its end – the Fig Garden Home Owners Association will stop Christmas Tree Lane’s Walk Nights unless the city or the county steps up to solve an issue they say could turn the Christmas experience into “Fresno’s Mardi Gras.”

According to the Fig Garden HOA newsletter, vendors have become the main reason why Walk Nights could stop. They say vendors “have taken positions on residents’ private property, blocked driveways and side roads, and have been aggressive to residents who asked them to leave.”

“This is a huge disappointment for me personally. I’ve spent the last eight years helping put these Walk Nights on, and our family and friends love it,” said Dan Gallagher, part of the HOA board.

Although the newsletter says vendors are not the only challenge that the board faces during Walk Nights, they are the main reason why they want to discontinue the beloved tradition.

Officials say they worked with law enforcement during last year’s Walk Nights to try to stop vendors from taking over, but when a deputy would ask them to leave, vendors would just move or ignore the request; the board says this is because there are no ordinances allowing law enforcement to confiscate equipment or cite vendors.

The HOA board denounces that this issue has tampered with the atmosphere of Walk Nights, which is supposed to be one of “joy and peace;” if allowed to continue, they fear the carnival atmosphere will be less about the “peace and joy of Christmas” and become more into “Fresno’s Mardi Gras.”

Gallagher says that unless the city or county of Fresno establishes “specific plans with consequences” for vendors, the board will stop hosting Walk Nights, ending a two-decade-old tradition. Read the newsletter by clicking here.