Hundreds of parents and children lined up for Burney’s 2018 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Christmas Tree Lane on Saturday evening November 24 to meet with Santa.
Helena Bowden happy to meet the Santas
Santa talked with each child to find out if they were good and learn what they wanted for Christmas.
Santa listens carefully to each answer
Mr. and Mrs. Santa were very adept at providing cheer and comfort to each child.
Santa entertaining a child with bells
Each child received a Christmas gift bag.
The Burney Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Burney-Fall River, the Burney Lions Club, Soroptomist International of Burney-Fall River, The Lions Auxiliary, VFW, Burney Fire Protection District and other local neighbors and volunteers all participated in putting on the opening Christmas event.
Residents on the lane worked hard to decorate their houses with light for the festivities.
Santino Yabra worked hard to decorate his house on Christmas Tree Lane for the festive occasion
The Rotary served popcorn and cotton candy, the Soroptomists served hot chocolate and apple cider, the Lion Auxiliary provided delicious cookies.
Bill Campbell acted as Emcee.
Emcee Bill Campbell
The program opened with a presentation of arms by the VFW honor guard.
VFW Honor Guard
Janice Hamlin sang the National Anthem and God Bless America.
Janice Hamlin singing God Bless America
Then Paris Geisler soulfully sang two popular Christmas songs including White Christmas.
Paris Geisler singing White Christmas
Kids did the countdown to the Christmas Tree Lighting.
Kids count down to the tree lighting
Lions Fuzzy Field and George Whitfield through the switch and the trees were lit.
Lions Fuzzy Field and George Whilfield flick the switch
And the lights go on
Then the Winkelman family sang Christmas Carols.
The Winkelman family sings Away in a Manger
The elves were expectantly waiting for Santa.
The elves are ready
Shortly thereafter, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause arrived in a fire truck.
Santa arrives in a fire truck
Mrs. Claus was escorted off the truck by Burney Fire Chief Monte Keady.
Music was provided by toy soldiers.
Christmas music provided by this soldier
It was a wonderful time for young and old.
Mrs. Santa with a deligted and delightful child
Pit River Country 