By Lookout Staff

December 18, 2014 -- Some 900 people turned out under the historic Moreton Bay fig tree at Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows in Santa Monica for a community holiday celebration that included cookie decorating, hair braiding, mini manicures, a bounce house and a ginger bread house display.

Participants brought an estimated 8,500 pounds of non-perishable food, which is being donated to Ocean Park Community Center and Olympic High School, said Jacqueline Kerns, a hotel spokesperson.

“It was quite busy,” Kerns said of Sunday’s “Meet Me Under the Fig Tree,” an annual event  hosted by the hotel and MSD Capital.  In fact, turnout was “significantly” higher than the previous year, she said.

“I think it was a case of gaining momentum,” Kerns said.

Also featured were performances by the Santa Monica High School Orchestra and Grammy Award-winning pianist Bill Cunliffe. Meet and greets with local fire fighters and police officers were also part of the festivities, as well as photos with Santa Claus.

In addition, the celebration included visits from the Los Angeles-based Bests Friends Pet Adoption clinic and a raffle, with drawings by City Councilmember Pam O’Connor, California State Assemblyman Richard Bloom and local fire fighters.

Prizes were donated by local businesses such as Ben Bridge Jewelers, Helen’s Cycles, The Lobster, Del Frisco’s, Hotel by the Pier, Buca di Beppo, Parlos, FIG Restaurant, Pacific Park, Truxton’s and Vilbrequin.

Guests dined on hot chocolate, grilled cheese sandwiches and apple cider from FIG Restaurant and Perry’s at the Beach.

One highlight of the day, Kerns said, was when the raffle prize – a two-night stay at the Fairmont Miramar -- ended up being won by a couple married at the hotel 32 years ago.