The holiday season kicked into high gear in Alachua Friday evening, Nov. 30, with the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree. As children and adults gathered around, Singer Danny Wooten and his band, Southern Slang, offered up seasonal musical favorites. Area youngsters joined in the sing-along while waiting for Santa and Mrs. Claus’s arrival. The jolly elf and his wife, accompanied by a number of colorfully dressed and excited elves, swept into town led by a police escort. After a few ho-ho-ho’s, the countdown began, and the darkened tree was illuminated by hundreds of twinkling lights. Santa headed downtown to the Hitchcock Theatre Park where children received bags of treats and had their picture taken with him. The event was sponsored by the City of Alachua and the Alachua Chamber of Commerce.
