The Christmas season in Montgomery got off to its official start Sunday night as Santa himself came down from a fire truck ladder and was escorted to the front of Village Hall where he lit the village’s official Christmas tree.
Santa and Mrs. Claus then visited with children inside Village Hall, which was the scene for a variety of holiday activities.
In the board room, children showed off their musical talents performing holiday tunes. A special performance was also offered by the Oswego East Tri-M Honor Society.
Downstairs, the community room at Village Hall had children involved in making crafts and a letter-writing activity, while volunteers helped them get what they needed to get the job done. All letters to Santa were put in a special box to be mailed straight to the North Pole.
Montgomery Village President Matt Brolley welcomed the crowds to Village Hall for the festivities.
“We look forward to this event every year,” he said.
Inside Village Hall are also some 16 trees decorated by area groups and organizations that are part of the Festival of Trees. Outside along River Street are 27 more trees that are part of the celebration.
On Sunday evening Atrevete Confections, a sweet shop at 216 N. River St., was offering free hot chocolate, while Gray’s Mill Estate across the street gave away cookie bags during the festival.
Music was also available outside Village Hall during the evening.
Village officials said more than 1,000 people came out for the event.
Judy Pochel is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
