Big crowd attends fire department tree lighting
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The M/PIFCD tree and the stuffed cats and dogs.
ED?FRANKS
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Fire Chief Ben Mickuleit addresses crowd at the tree-lighting ceremony.
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The Pine Island Elementary School choir entertains the crowd.
ED?FRANKS
Thursday night the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department held its annual tree lighting ceremony at Station #1 at the Center.
“We have a great turnout tonight,” Chief Benjamin Mickuleit said. “First we have the Pine Island Elementary School Choir performing a few numbers and then Santa and Mrs. Clause will arrive.”
Hot chocolate and cookies were served and families were able to have a free photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each child also received “a little treat to warm their heart.”
“We come almost every year,” Bridgette Collins said. “Now that the kids are getting a little older, I think they understand it better. It’s also a great way for people to meet the firemen.”
Additional entertainment was provided by Pine Island Dance.