FALL RIVER: The rainy weather from the previous day cleared and allowed for a perfect night for the annual Fall River and Area Business Association (FRABA) Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 2.

PHOTOS: Reporter Pat Healey’s best from the night

Ashley Cates leads the kids in a song during the musical portion of the tree lighting. (Healey photo)

With the weather being not too cold, while the ground was quite damp as was evident by the green space next to Tim Hortons in Fall River, hundreds turned out to see the tree lit up.

A young boy stares straight at the camera as the Joyful Sounds kids perform. (Healey photo)

Before the tree lighting took place though, musical entertainment was provided by the kids from Joyful Sounds who got the crowd singing festive tunes of the season,

Meanwhile speeches were given by MP Darrell Samson, MLA Bill Horne, and Councillor Steve Streatch.

Streatch announced he would be giving $2,500 to FRABA for future community events such as the tree lighting.

A special presentation was made by the NS Arts & Crafts sale to the Lions Christmas Express. Their organizers presented a $1,100 cheque to the Xmas Express, with Horne accepting on their behalf.

The Fall River Garden Club also made a presentation to the Lions Christmas Express in the amount of $350. Horne also accepted this presentation.

Charlie and Paityn Fownes of Windsor Junction, and Jillian Kikuchi of Fall River are all smiles in front of the Christmas tree by Tim Hortons for this photo taken for the Laker. (Healey photo)

Jason Crowell from Aerotec Engines in Beaver Bank was the emcee for the event.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on board his sleigh pulled by Cameron from FRABA member CSD. With some help getting down, the two made their way through the crowd towards the stage where Santa addressed the crowd.

The kid singers from Joyful Sounds got a special shoutout for their awesome singing that Santa said warmed both his and Mrs. Claus’ hearts.

Two of the instructors sing. (Healey photo)

Even the instructors from Joyful Sounds got into the act, performing a a pair of routines to much delight and cheering from the crowd.

After the short chat, Crowell got the crowd to do the countdown for the tree to be lit. Once the countdown hit zero, the tree beamed as it was lit up for all to see.

The tree is lit up. (Healey photo)

Thanks to all who put in time to make the tree lighting occur!

phealey@enfieldweeklypress.com