What began as a lark among friends has become a beloved tradition as the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck rolls through North Hollywood tonight for its 28th holiday extravaganza.Every Christmas Eve the truck, decked out with thousands of flashing lights, as well as dancers and singers, descends on local neighborhoods, treating kids and adults to free music and a visit from Santa Claus.We just have to go out and do it, said Rick Holbrook, 52, the producer of the all-volunteer show.Its sort of our tradition now to be able to bring the songs out to the street and just have a great time with everyone.The Magical Christmas Caroling Truck is an 18-wheeler decked out as Santas Village. Theres even a sign that says North Pole.Carolers peer out of its gaily-decorated balconies, doorways and windows, singing vorites like We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Jingle Bells, and Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer, plus a few original compositions.Following the truck are even more carolers, dancing and prancing in the frosty air -- an effect achieved with help from a snow machine.Finally, theres the sleigh carrying heaps of gifts and Santa himself.Its one of the highlights of our Christmas holiday time, said Brenda Hollingsworth, 70, who has enjoyed watching the yuletide spectacle pass by her North Hollywood home for nearly three decades.They stop in front of our house and we all run outMagic Christmas Caroling Truck rolling out of North Hollywood and enjoy it on the front lawn, she said. Its really very special and it really brings the neighborhood together.Its that kind of delighted reaction that has been fueling the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck all these years.Holbrook, a sound engineer for the music industry, said the decision to go caroling aboard a truck was just a lark on Dec. 24, 1984.He and about a dozen friends had just finished a recording session when somebody blurted out, Hey, why dont
Rick Holbrook checks the audio equipment in the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck in North Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. (Michael Owen Baker/Daily News Staff Photographer)
Magic Christmas Caroling Truck rolling out of North Hollywood,Rick Holbrook checks the audio equipment in the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck in North Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. (Michael Owen Baker/Daily News Staff Photographer)
Jon Wirthlin, left, Trevor Gerzen Lorena Barton and Rick Holbrook check the lights on the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck in North Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 in preparation for a Christmas Eve caroling trip through North Hollywood and Toluca Lake. (Michael Owen Baker/Daily News Staff Photographer)
Loren Barton checks the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck in North Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 before its Christmas Eve caroling trip through North Hollywood and Toluca Lake. (Michael Owen Baker/Daily News Staff Photographer)we go out Christmas caroling?We had a dump truck in the alleyway, so we threw a generator on board, some drums, a little sound system, and just went out to my neighborhood, Holbrook said.Wherever there were Christmas lights, we just went down the street and sang, he said. There was no rehearsal, we just sang songs we knew, but it was so wonderful, the joy we brought to everybody.We sang Christmas carols for about six hours, said Scott McDonald, a videfree street magico engineer and school chaplain better known to those on the caroling route as Santa. I remember we were so hoarse when it was over.But we did it again because the community was so touched by it, and it was so fun.Some of the original carolers are still at it, joined by more than 100 volunteers. They spend about a month rehearsing the songs and dances, and setting up the lighting and sound system.The trucks 11-mile route begins at Lankershim Boulevard and Vineland Avenue. It winds through various neighborhoods in North Hollywood from 4:30-11 p.m., stopping at certain intersections.The groups website - displays a route map and information on how to make a donation.McDonald is grateful that a spur-of-the-moment decision in 1984 led to the Magical Christmas Caroling Trucks annual journey.Honestly, when you see the look on the ces of the people out there -- especially those who were not expecting it, had no idea it was coming -- that shows you its better to give than to receive.This is a gift from our heart to the community.
