BELFAST — More than 100 people gathered in front of the post office Saturday evening, Dec. 5, to take part in the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.  Hosted by Our Town Belfast, they were treated to free cookies and cocoa while they waited for the large tree to be lit. The Belfast Area High School singers treated the crowd to caroling, with members standing on the post office stairs. 

The group performed a wide array of holiday songs to an attentive crowd. The performance, however, was interrupted by the distant wail of a fire truck siren.

While a portion of the crowd continued to watch the carolers, many of the younger participants were eager to see what the approaching siren would bring. 

Their curiosity was rewarded by a familiar face riding atop one very unusual sleigh. After parking on Court Street, Santa and Mrs. Claus climbed down and made their way into the large crowd. 

The faces of countless smiling children made it difficult for Santa to make contact with every hopeful face, though both he and Mrs. Claus tried. 

Near the end of the celebration, Breanna Pinkham Bebb, executive director of Our Town Belfast, led the crowd in a countdown to the lighting of the tree. 

Though the festivities may have left some slightly chilled, the streets of Belfast were surely left a little merrier. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com