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Havre and Santa kick off holiday season

Despite the bitter cold temperatures, a crowd came together at Town Square to the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday.

Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and one of their elves traveled from The North Pole to the Havre Eagles Club to have cookies and milk with children and then walked over to light up the tree in Town Square.

Santa Claus said that it was colder than he was expecting coming from the North Pole, but he hitched up all his reindeer, not just the usual 13, to get to Havre fast enough.

He added that he looks forward to the Tree Lighting Ceremony because it is always exciting.

Some of Havre has been good this year, but the ones who find coal in their stockings will know what's wrong, Santa Claus said.

"I think they all have to donate to a few more charities in town, they know which ones, I think they'll be just fine after that," he said.

The Havre Salvation Army once again provided free hot chocolate for a free-will donation.

"We are happy to be a part of this," Havre Salvation Army Director Trina Crawford said. "(My) favorite part of this is being able to give people hot chocolate and knowing you are warming them up a little bit, so that they can enjoy this festivity."

She said the Tree Lighting Ceremony is an event and time that really brings the community together.

Crawford added that the Salvation Army has participated in providing hot chocolate since at least 2005.

"I feel like it went great. There were lots of people there and, despite the freezing cold weather, everyone seemed to be having a good time," Havre Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Julea Robbins said. "Every year we have a good time and this year was no different."

She added that she likes the sense of community that the tree lighting brings.

"It really makes my heart happy to see people from around town come celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season together even in the cold," Robbins said. "It hasn't been a family tradition as I have only been able to make it to a few lightings but I'm excited to be able to bring my family in the years to come."

 

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