Santa and Mrs. Claus lead the assembled crowd at Moore Park in Westfield in singing “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Children and adults joined in the singing of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer before the lighting of the Christmas tree in Moore Park.

Santa and Mrs. Claus lead the assembled crowd at Moore Park in Westfield in singing “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

The “Let There Be Light” parade on Saturday in Westfield featured a brilliant array of entries during the Christmas In the Village weekend.

The “Let There Be Light” parade on Saturday in Westfield featured a brilliant array of entries during the Christmas In the Village weekend.

WESTFIELD — “OK everybody, we’ll light it up on the third HO,” Santa called out, as he grasped the candy cane lever. “Ho, Ho, HO!” the crowd shouted and Santa pulled a large candy cane causing the huge tree in Moore Park, Westfield, to blaze to life with a dazzling array of colored lights.

While the tree lighting may not be the high point of Westfield’s annual “Christmas In the Village” celebration, it certainly is a popular attraction. Following the “Let There Be Light” Christmas themed parade, hosted this year by Lake Shore Center for the Arts, the tree lighting took place.

During the parade, Santa was heard to say: “Westfield is great! I come down from the North Pole just for this and I will be going right back as soon as I light up that tree.”

Before he pulled the lever to light up the tree, Santa asked those present if they would like to sing a song. He then led the raucous crowd in a rendition of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”

Christmas In the Village in Westfield has been a holiday tradition for decades. Marilyn Hemmer, who has coordinated the event for many years said she was thrilled with this year’s celebration. “This Christmas in the Village is a true Christmas event,” she said. “I think it was a good weekend and I thank God for the weather.”

The event is a full “Westfield” affair, Hemmer said. The community of Westfield, especially in the last few years, has really come together to work on this,” she said. “We try to make an event that is fun, family friendly and free, unless you want to buy something.”

There were a few new activities this year, Hemmer said. Gingerbread decorating with Mr. and Mrs. Claus is new, as well as caroling in Eason Hall. “Also, the parade was bigger and better than ever,” she said. “The electric truck had more than 3000 lights on it.”

Hemmer noted that all of the lighting in the park was done by the electric company. “It’s their labor of love,” she said. “Also, the nativity in the park was made by two Westfield art teachers.”

Furthermore, Hemmer said, Santa and Mrs. Claus found and refurbished a sleigh that is used for the parade. “That’s their gift,” she added.

Nearly all of the shops in town participate in a window decorating contest, Hemmer said. “Our shops outdid themselves this year,” she said. “We really try to make Westfield look like a Hallmark card.”

Saturday’s activities included the Hall of Christmas Holiday Artisan Market, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a “Holiday Tea,” hosted by Wanderlust. The Presbyterian Church hosted Breakfast with Santa and musical entertainment, while the McClurg Museum conducted tours throughout the day.

And, of course, the parade and tree lighting took place after the light faded. “I really liked the Minion trailer because of the creativity that went into it and how it looked like a bunch of sparkling stars were on it,” said a 9-year-old girl as she was gathering candy thrown by parade participants.

There are several activities strictly for children throughout the weekend. Friday night is considered Children’s Night with pigmy goats from the Sundance Kids’ Farm, the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Patterson Library, with popcorn and cocoa for all.

The Hot Toddy Crawl for Westfield’s Christmas in the Village, is a popular activity in which participating shops and businesses serve complimentary drinks and treats.

The activities continued on Sunday with caroling with Miss Ko!, and a live performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Lakeshore Center for the Arts.

Hemmer said although she is the coordinator of Christmas in the Village, organizations and businesses throughout the town have added their own touch to the event. “I asked them what they want to do and I coordinate it,” she said. “Westfield is a very benevolent community.”