Marianne Paton Sharing their Christmas wishes with Mrs. and Mr. Claus are Grayce Smith, 4, Makenna Streans, 18 months, and Aubrey Smith, 6 months.

Christmas was in the air last Thursday evening as nearly 100 residents turned out to participate in the annual Tree Lighting ceremony held at Southwest Capital Bank at the island center.

The festivities began with carols sung by the Pine Island Elementary School Choir followed by performances by Pine Island Dance. Then, just moments before Santa arrived by fire engine, the lights on a 9-foot Christmas tree was set aglow. Each of the children were treated to cookies, juice and a visit with jolly old Saint Nick.

To see more pictures of this year’s annual Tree Lighting ceremony, visit pineisland-eagle.com and click on the CU Gallery.