Santa poses with two children at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

An appearance by Santa was one of many attractions at the Kleefeld Christmas tree lighting ceremony Saturday evening.

The annual event featured pictures with Santa, a free hot dog supper, use of the skating rink and toboggan run, and the namesake of the event.

"This year the other draw is the Christmas tree, because that has become part of our community," says Kleefeld Rec Association Vice President Nicole Rempel.  "It's our third year doing it, and everyone looks forward to it because they say that's the start of the Christmas season."

After three months of planning and two days of setting up, Rempel was excited to finally have the Christmas tree lighting take place.  She describes what her favourite part was.

"It's nice to see the kids when Santa walks into the room," Rempel notes.  "He smiles, and they just get excited, and some kids get so excited they're shaking.  And that for me is the big highlight of the evening."

Rempel adds the event usually sees 100 to 150 people.

(Left to right) Kleefeld Rec Association Board Members Nicole Rempel, Anna Meneer and Gord Meneer.