The Highlands-Lynchburg Chamber hosted the Christmas Tree Lighting on Tuesday night, December 4th, starting at 6 pm. Due to heavy rain and the threat of lightning, the Santa arrival and greetings were moved into the Chamber building.
There, a steady stream of children and even adults sat on Santas lap, and told him of their innermost desires (we think, but only Santa knows.)
Cookies were donated by the Horizons, Golden Corral Restaurant and Community Resource Credit Union. Hot Chocolate was donated and served by the Rotary Club of Highlands.
Pictures of the children with Santa were made by Linda Sims Photography. Each child or adult received a colorful print in a gift folder to take home. Children had their picture with Santa for a donation of an unwrapped toy.
The festivities went on for several hours, starting at 6:00 PM at the Heritage Park located at the Railroad Tracks in Highlands and continuing in the Chamber building. Several hundred children came to see and talk with Santa, but the numbers were down from last year due to the weather.
The Highlands volunteer fire department participated, with a fire truck and lots of firement having their picture taken with Santa. At the end of the evening, Santa whispered to the Star-Courier that he had more fun than anyone.