Youngsters and their families gathered in the early afternoon at the Trillium Lodge on Main Street for the annual “Lunch With Santa.”

In between coloring pictures and doing some holiday themed crafts with Mrs. Claus, the kids joined Santa at the fireplace to tell him all their Christmas wishes. A good time was had by all.

Later in the day, as evening fell, more families and friends gathered in the Memorial Park on Main Street for the annual lighting of the Memorial Tree. The gazebo, the tree in the center, and the trees outside it, were beautifully lit while folks hung their bows, which carried the names of loved ones now passed on, on the trees.

Red, white and blue bows were hung for those lost in military service; purple in honor of those lost to cancer; and red bows for remembrance.

Even the Grinch was on hand to have fun with the kids at the Trillium Lodge. Pictured are Parker Buczek and Barrett Austin.

A portion of the fee for the bows was donated to the corresponding charities of each group.

When the bows were hung, the lights were extinguished and each person was given a candle. Deb Bernard, chair of the event, called for the gazebo to be re-lit while those in attendance stood quietly as Santa spoke about the many gifts their loved ones had given into the lives of those they loved.

Most of those in attendance moved across the street to the Trillium Lodge where Deb Bernard and her elves hosted a buffet dinner. In the words spoken by many of those in attendance, ” it was a great way to kick off the Christmas Season.”