The public also had a chance to warm up by a fire pit on Pilcher’s lawn in North Webster for the annual tree lighting and holiday festivities. The event was held tonight, Saturday, Nov. 20. InkFreeNews photos by Phoebe Banks.

By Phoebe Banks
Staff Writer

It felt like Christmas in North Webster tonight, Saturday, Nov. 20 as the town kicked off the festive season. There was live music, visits with Santa, children’s crafts, free food, and a visit with a live reindeer and more.

Festivities started around 4 p.m. with free chili, hot chocolate and hot dogs to feed the public.

The event was hosted by North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce. Most of the events were centered on Pilcher’s lawn.

A visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus took place at KiZa Designs. Children had the chance to also make ornaments there and do crafts at Lions Karate.

Sue’s Creations and Ace Hardware had popcorn, wine and cheese, cookies and face painting.

Santa and Mrs. Claus made a visit to North Webster tonight.

Live music was provided by Captain Bob, Christopher and Leigh-Ann Oesch and North Webster Elementary Choir.

A side-by-side ride was conducted for the North Webster Food Pantry. The parade, consisting of UTVs and Jeeps, left at 5:45 p.m. for a ride around town.

Emily Shipley, vice president of the chamber, said she was very pleased with tonight’s turn out.

“It is a fabulous turn out. I am so glad to see the community out on this great night,” she said. “The weather was just right with clear skies and no snow.”

Children also had chance to write letters to Santa and mail them to the North Pole.

The night concluded with the annual tree lighting, which took place at 6:15 p.m. The public also had a chance to warm up by a fire pit.

Free chili was served by Dorinda Oswalt, left, and Scott Kuhn, owner of Tangibles.

Children were delighted to have a chance to visit a live reindeer in North Webster.

Cheryl and Jerry Bolinger were all decked out for the side-by-side ride throughout North Webster.

These vehicles were decorated for the holidays and a parade around the “heart of the lakes.”