Hundreds come out for Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Burney

Two-week old Elijah was the youngest person who came to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Christmas Tree Lane, Saturday evening November 25.

Mrs. Santa with 2 week old Elijah

Elijah, who came with his mother Charissa Gerrue was one of hundreds who attended. Santa and Mrs. Claus, helped by one of their elves, gave out 150 gift packs to children. The event was organized by the Burney Chamber of Commerce with the help of the Rotary Club, Interact Club, Soroptomists, Burney Fire District, and other community organizations and volunteers.

Before 5 o’clock, children and parents had already formed a long line extending down Christmas Tree Lane.

Children and parents lined up to meet Santa

Emcee Bill Campbell opened the program just after 5 p.m. asking the Honor Guard to present the flag.

The Honor Guard – Martin McAbee, Bob Van De Weerd, George Matthews, Donnie McFarlane, and Dennis Lopez

The presentation of the flag was followed by the pledge of allegiance and the singing of the National anthem.

Janice Hamlin singing the National Anthem

Then the lights went on!

And the lights go on

After the lighting, there was an ugly sweater contest.

Participants in the ugly sweater contest

Emcee Bill Campbell announces Jennifer Taylor winner of the Ugly Sweater Contest

Following the contest, the Winkelman sang several traditional Christmas carols including Silent Night and Joy to the World.

The Winkelman family singing Silent Night

A group of children enjoying the Christmas carols

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in the Burney Fire District’s newly acquired ladder truck.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a fire truck

After Santa and Mrs. Claus were seated, the children came streaming through to sit on Santa’s lap. Santa asked them is they had been good during the year and the children told him what they wanted for Christmas. A friendly elf presented each child with a gift bag.