On Saturday night, most people just wanted a picture of their children — and a 20-foot Christmas tree.
The tree was the centerpiece for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration at the Historic Thomas Center. More than 1,200 people came to the event, which was hosted by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department.
Mayor Ed Braddy gave a short speech before leading the audience in a countdown, and the tree was lit.
The giant tree, its decorations and holiday decorations around the building are provided annually by the Thomas Center Associates, said facilities coordinator Erica Chatman.
"My favorite part is seeing how many families are able to come out," said Chatman, who also brought cider and cookies. "It is a free event, so it is very accessible."
In the past, the event has generally featured traditional horse carriage rides, sponsored by the Duck Pond Neighborhood Association. But this year, no vender could be found with large enough wagons to accommodate the huge amount of people who wanted to ride, said David Ballard, the Gainesville events coordinator.
"It’s a shame we don’t have it," said Ballard, who called it a wonderful addition to the event.
However, the absence of horse carriages didn’t dim the Christmas spirit, as a long line of children waiting to meet Santa extended through the room and out the door. There was also live music by the Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus, the Singers of the Reformation and the Gypsy Guerrilla Band.
For Haidee Cano, 22, the choir was the highlight of the evening.
"If they come back, I will be back," she said. "I love them so much."
Four-year-old Olivia Wood, left, and 6-year-old Isabel Wood tell Santa about their Christmas wishes during the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony on Saturday. “They’re always super excited for Christmas,” said Ligia Wood, a web designer and the girls’ mother.
Gainesville Mayor Ed Braddy, left, presents the holiday tree at the Historic Thomas Center as it is lit up for the season on Dec. 5, 2015.
Karen Caraway carols with the Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus during the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at the Historic Thomas Center on Dec. 5, 2015. She has sung with the choir for 23 years.
General contractor Lenny Spraque holds his 4-year-old daughter Madison while waiting in line to talk to Santa at the Historic Thomas Center on Saturday.
Joyce Lillquist plays the chorded zither while her husband, Jim, plays the hammer dulcimer during the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at the Historic Thomas Center on Dec. 5, 2015. The Gypsy Guerrilla Band, composed of the couple, performed a variety of holiday tunes.
