By David Vitrano
L’Observateur

LULING – St. Charles Parish welcomed the holiday season in a big way Thursday with its annual Christmas tree-lighting extravaganza.

A slight chill hung in the air, lending the 17th annual event a more festive feel as parish schools presented choirs and other entertainment. Featured acts included choirs from Harry Hurst Middle School, St. Rose Elementary, Mimosa Park Elementary, Albert Cammon Middle, Lakewood Elementary and Hahnville High as well as the Cajun dancers from Allemands Elementary.

Santa also arrived by fire truck just as Parish President V.J. St. Pierre and the crowd counted down to the lighting of the tree. After his arrival a long line of eager children waiting to tell Santa their Christmas wishes snaked through the crowd of revelers.

Also on hand were volunteers from the American Red Cross, who handed out cups filled with steaming hot chocolate.

The annual event was sponsored by the Rotary Club of St. Charles, which collected toys for the needy and also presented checks to local charities such as the United Way.