Families turn out for Santa, sleigh rides and singers

It was beginning to look at lot like Christmas Saturday when Pingree Grove residents officially welcomed the holiday season with its second annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Centennial Park.

This year's tree features red and green baubles, candy canes and sparkling tinsel.

Dozens of families greeted Santa Claus, who arrived to the ceremony in a police squad car, sirens signaling his arrival just after 4 p.m.

St. Nick then accepted Christmas wish lists from about 30 children.

All 9-year-old Jessica Manly of Pingree Grove requested for Christmas was a Lil' Kinz, a stuffed animal that comes to life in a virtual online world. Secret codes allow guardians to access the Web Kinz World, where the toy pets interact.

The toy was also on Mallory Hales' list, who said she didn't ask for anything else.

"I have 30 of them already," Mallory said.

But for Jessica's brother, Jacob Manly, 7, Lego tops his list. Jacob, who waited in line for a sleigh ride with his sister, asked Santa for a Lego Star Wars Ship.

While children were excited to meet Santa, listen to carolers and take a ride on the sleigh, parents appreciated the opportunity to participate in the village event.

"This is our first time here and I thought it was something fun to do," said Cindy Manly, Jessica's and Jacob's mother. "I wanted to see what the village had going on."

The tree lighting, which is the village's second, is a chance for neighbors to get together, said Village President Wyman "Clint" Carey.

"We wanted to bring the community together throughout the year," Carey said. "We have a great park and we decided to do a holiday tree lighting ceremony."