PINE GROVE - Residents ushered in the holiday season Saturday with a visit from Santa Claus and the annual lighting of the community Christmas tree at the Werner Lumber Lot, 29 S. Tulpehocken St.
The event began about 3:30 p.m. with a prayer by the Rev. Robert Kensinger, performances by the Pine Grove Community Band and the Teen Challenge Choir from Rehrersburg and the arrival of Santa Claus on the Ravine Fire Company's Christmas float.
Dick Becker, chairman of the Pine Grove Area Christmas Light Committee, who has been running the event for the last 13 years, said this year he chose Hayley Zimmerman, 20, of Pine Grove, to light the 15-foot tree.
According to Becker, she was 2 1/2 years old when she had a stroke and, today, she is in a wheelchair.
Becker also announced during the program that Zimmerman is a student at Intermediate Unit 29 Maple Avenue Campus, Mar Lin, is the daughter of Steve and Angela Zimmerman, has three brothers - Stevie, Daniel and Dylan - enjoys music and loves to sing, is in a Special Olympics bowling league and is a member of the Pine Grove Children's Aid.
"She has a beautiful personality," Becker said. "It touches my heart. I was glad I selected her. She always has a smile on her face."
When she went up to light the tree, she was escorted by her grandparents, Charlie and Judy Zimmerman, Pine Grove.
Hayley Zimmerman was then presented with a gift after lighting the tree.
Although it was a cold day for the tree lighting, many residents decided to come out for the annual event, including Betty Strubhar, Pine Grove, who was with her family and friends.
"I don't miss this," Strubhar said. "I love this. It's cold, but I come out."
Another resident, Erma Barry, Pine Grove, also came out with her family.
"We make it a tradition every year," she said. "It's the start of the holiday season."
Operation Hugs and Kisses, a local organization formed in 2010 after several row home fires in Pine Grove, was also at the event selling food and drinks.
The money raised goes back to the Pine Grove Area School District and the community to complete different projects.