Kay Pylant, Ashley Householder and Helen Smoker volunteer to pass out the hot chocolate, coffee and cookies.

LEESBURG — Over 1,000 lanterns were placed along the streets of Leesburg, leading everyone to the old Leesburg fire house for the annual Candelaria from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. This year it was moved from the town hall to make it more handicap accessible.

Christina Archer reestablished the tradition in 2010 after returning to Leesburg.

The old fire house was filled with the sounds of Christmas music while cookies, hot chocolate and coffee were laid out on the table for everyone to enjoy.

Santa arrived at 6:30 p.m. on a fire truck to surprise the eagerly awaiting children. The children lined up to sit on his lap, let him know whether they had been naughty or nice and receive a Christmas goodie bag.

At 4 p.m. the Leesburg 4-H club The Mighty Farmers and various members of the community also gathered together to help prepare the lanterns. They were also assisted by members of the 4-H Junior Leaders club.

With snow falling throughout the day, it created the perfect weather and atmosphere for this year’s Candelaria.