Holiday Tree Lighting Ushers in Christmas

"Let it pour, let it pour, let it pour," instead of "let it snow," could have been hummed by the estimated crowd of 250 on Saturday night at Eureka's annual Holiday Tree Lighting event. For the first time in the city's observance, the event was held inside at the , due to the steady drizzling of rain.

"It's so fun to have the tree lighting event outside, we're bummed, but this looks like it's all going to work out just fine," said Becky Paoli, of , as the festivities started.

Activities included:

• Cookie decorating
• Letters to Santa Claus
• Balloon creatures
• Face painting
• Carollers
• Kids' crafts
• Band
• Free refreshments
• Pictures with Santa

"Santa made it through the rain instead of snow to find the event for the first time inside," said Eureka Mayor Kevin Coffey.

Coffey wished everyone a safe holiday and thanked a whole group of volunteers, who made the night possible, including carollers from , girl scout troops, students performing community service, , and the band from church who meet for worship at .

Several people said it was their first year in attendance. Balloon creator Simon Clark said it was his first event to kick off the 2011 holiday season.

Last year, this event was held in conjunction with the shopping district's annual candelight walk, and Santa rode into town on a fire truck. This observance is a 20 year-plus tradition in Eureka.