The Annual Hathaway Tree Decorating

The annual tradition of decorating the Hathaway Tree at Manning Park was held by the Montecito Association and its Montecito Beautification members, in collaboration with Montecito Fire, on Wednesday, December 4, in the afternoon. There were at least 30 adults, a handful of kids, and two doggies on hand to help, along with water and cookies. The oversized decorations are recycled each year. 

This annual holiday tradition is held in honor of Montecito Fire Chief Don Hathaway, his wife, Helen, and children Dean and Ronda, who started it in 1960 with a Monterey Pine tree located on the then corner [no roundabout] of North Jameson and the 101 going north. Due to the passing of Hathaway and the tree falling, Dana Newquist and a few elves with fundraisers purchased and planted a new 18-foot Blue Aptos Redwood tree at upper Manning Park in 2012. It has been decorated every year since then.

Shout outs to Executive Director of the Montecito Association Houghton Hyatt, Events Chair Mindy Denson, the Montecito Association board members, volunteers, and our beloved fire fighters at Montecito Fire Protection District.