Tom Seaton (center) directs the River City Concert Band’s holiday concert during tree-lighting festivities in Carmichael Park.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Bright lights, snow and many fa-la-las heralded the holidays at Carmichael Park last week.

The 22nd annual community tree lighting ceremony welcomed Santa Claus, Disney’s heroine Elsa, and thousands of families.

At the event finale, Carmichael Park District leader Chris Ives flipped a switch to fire up the 50-foot park Christmas tree. 

Shvetsov and Klenin family accessories match the Christmas tree.

Activities began earlier, when Santa arrived to hear Christmas wishes. Fortified with candy canes, nice and naughty kids waited in line.

Free crafting opportunities further rewarded believers.

Donning loud sweaters and other gay apparel, 60 River City Concert Band musicians struck up Christmas singalongs.

After a day of fair weather, snow flurries surprised a crowd of 2,000. Machine-generated white stuff dotted noses and eyelashes.

Sacramento County Supervisor Rich Desmond joins holiday high jinks with Carmichael Parks Foundation director Rosie Buck and Kiwanis Club booster Linda Martin.

As temperatures dropped, food trucks snacks warmed tummies. Many visitors brought canned donations to fill San Juan School District’s food closet.

Event sponsors included Buck Family Automotive, Carmichael Parks Foundation, Sacramento County Supervisor Rich Desmond, Carmichael Kiwanis Club and Carmichael Improvement District.

Decorations can be viewed at the park’s Fair Oaks Boulevard frontage until the New Year.