Sunny skies and frigid temperatures greeted visitors to downtown Arlington for the town's December 5 kickoff of Hometown Holidays. Hundreds braved the cold to watch the parade, complete with Santa, that made its way down Olympic Avenue, then stayed around to enjoy carolers, a tree-lighting, and other homegrown entertainment.

Volunteers from Lifeway Church provided holiday music in the gazebo at Legion Park along with free hot cocoa at a nearby table. A "living Christmas tree" made its way along the line of people waiting to visit with Santa, spreading laughs and enduring curious pokes through the costume's evergreen branches.

Many families took advantage of the free wagon rides that departed from the corner in front of City Hall, pulled by gentle horses Sugar and Spice, and offering a slowed-down view of the city.

Mayor pro tem Marilyn Oertle had help from St. Nick himself as she lit the 25-foot evergreen tree in Legion Park.

As the sun set in the cold winter sky, festivities in Marysville began to heat up.

Merrysville for the Holidays was missing its Electric Light Parade this year due to budget cuts, but by 5:30 p.m. Comeford Park was filled with holiday cheer anyway. A blazing bonfire attracted crowds, while families enjoyed the unique holiday displays set up for memorable photo opportunities and a fun craft table for kids.

Those seeking warmth and some great gift ideas strolled through the senior center's Craft Fair to see displays of handcrafts by local artisans.

Food and hot beverages, provided by Merrill Gardens and Vinaccio Coffee, and visits with Santa were all part of the festivities, which were topped off with the lighting of the historic water tower and holiday music by a local Celtic band, A Well Known Stranger.

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