Many braved the frigid temperatures to come out to Festival Park in Hobart to enjoy the official tree lighting ceremony Friday night. The Hobart Special Events Committee has put this event together for the past three years and it's becoming a tradition for many who have attended.
Jeff, Sara and Lilly Szarley waited in line for the carriage rides and then headed over to the bonfire to warm up.
"My wife and daughter have been coming the past couple of years, but I was off tonight so I was able to come out and enjoy it with them this year." said Jeff while he was trying to keep his daughter warm.
Visitors could get Ben's Pretzels, Noak's Popcorn and the Suncrest Church was providing Hot Chocolate, complete with whipped cream and peppermint shavings! Debbie Johnson of Hobart was one of the volunteers handing out the hot chocolate, taking it straight to the line of people awaiting their turn for the free carriage rides.
"We have been doing free hot chocolate for the past couple of years and the Church also provides free popcorn for movie night up at the park during the summers, and we did Halloween as well," Johnson said.
Her whole family helped to man the very popular hot chocolate stop on this chilly night!
And what Christmas event doesn't have Christmas carols and this was no exception. Singing from the bandshell were several community groups including the Trinity Lutheran Children's Choir, Rhythm Rhyme and Party Time Children's Choir and the Hobart Carolers.
The announcement that the tree was going to be lit brought the crowds towards the tree. Soon the countdown ensued and everyone joined in, especially the kids, and next thing you know the Christmas tree was officially lit followed by cheers from the crowd. Many were visiting the bonfire to get warm or heading up to the Community Center to get some food or have pictures taken with Santa Claus.
Martha Foreman of Hobart was waiting for the carriage rides with her daughter and grandchildren. "We have been coming for the last couple of years. There aren't as many people here as there was last year, the kids love to come and have a great time. Ben and Nick are looking forward to their ride tonight along with their friends!" The cold weather most likely kept a lot of people in, but those that were brave enough to come out benefited from the smaller lines and great fun!
The Jaycees annual Christmas tree sales are also currently going on, so come on out and pick out a fresh tree to have an official Christmas tree lighting in your own home!