With the approach of the holidays, some families are saddened by the absence of a child who has died.  In order to remember the children, and support their families, the Santa Clarita Chapter of The Compassionate Friends (TCF) will participate in an annual worldwide candle lighting event on December 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Canyon Country Park.

The event will feature live performers, music, readings, and a slide show.  Candles will be provided to those who attend and the lighting will take place at 7 p.m.

“The holidays are by far the hardest for all of us who have lost a child and this is one way to start off the holidays by honoring our children,” said Diane Briones, spokeswoman for the Santa Clarita TCF Chapter.

Briones said that the poem readings and songs are always poignant and touching for those who attend.  One performer will perform two songs using American Sign Language.  The public is invited to join the TCF families as they remember their children.

Annually, tens of thousands of families, united in loss, light candles for one hour during the worldwide candle lighting event.  As candles burn down in one time zone, they are lit in the next, creating a 24-hour wave of light as the observance continues around the world.

Canyon Country Park is located at 17615 W. Soledad Canyon Road.