The Fern Ridge community celebrated a Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday at Veneta Elementary School.
The seventh annual event started with an introduction by Mayor Keith Weiss, then the 25-foot-tall noble fir Christmas tree was lit up, starting the festivities.
Choirs from the different schools performed, starting with the elementary schools.
Despite temperatures near 32 degrees, about 400 people attended the festivities, including kids, teens, adults and even some dogs.
Many families took pictures with the large tree and bright lights.
Santa also was there, arriving with two of his elves on a firetruck. Many children got in line to greet him and get a candy cane.
There was also hot chocolate available thanks to the Kiwanis. The local Scout troop had a tent for accepting food and toy donations.
