Leesburg’s annual Candelaria and Christmas party were held on Saturday, Dec. 9. Here Lincoln Schneider, left, visits with Santa.

Text and Photos
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

LEESBURG — Leesburg’s annual Christmas tradition continued on Saturday, Dec. 9.

The town’s Candelaria and Christmas party occurred then for the 13th year since organizer Christina Archer restarted it after a hiatus.

She estimated “a little over 1,300” luminarias were set out by around 50 volunteers from the Leesburg Mighty Farmers 4-H Club and Boy Scout Troop 729 in an hour along town streets.

The Christmas party at the old fire station included Santa visiting with kids and cookies and hot chocolate for attendees. New this year was a performance by the Leesburg Elementary School choir. Members sang songs including “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “The 12 Days of Christmas.”

Mike Beezley from Beez and the Rocker also performed with Anna Gibson and Mike Todd at the party.

“I really think it brings our community together,” said Archer of the event to media members Saturday. “Leesburg only has 500 people, but look how many people are here.”

“It really brings everybody out and …. makes it all worthwhile to do it because bringing people out to enjoy a good time with their friends and family and neighbors is just something I have enjoyed,” she added.

Luminarias line one of the streets in Leesburg.

Members of the Leesburg Elementary School Choir perform.

Finley Baker, left, and Penelope Baker sit on Santa’s lap.

Performing are from left Mike Todd, Mike Beezley and Anna Gibson.

Heather Gaines, left, hands Ayla Allen a plate of Christmas cookies.

Even adults can visit with Santa. Judy West, right, chats with him.

Volunteers at the event were from left Gaines, Sue Charlton, Christina Archer, Pastor Rob Seewald and his daughter Anna Seewald.