Tree lighting, parade, AND fireworks

Random Darth Vader. He fell and hurt his knee about two seconds after this photo was taken.

These poor kids don't stand a chance. They're high-schoolers, if you can believe that.

What tree lighting ceremony would be complete without fireworks? 

And an interesting moment for the adults at the tree lighting:
The mayor was recognizing a prominent family who place an antique carousel at the city center every year and allow kids to ride it. The wife, adult children, and young grandchildren were standing in front of everyone with the mayor when she said, "Paul who is practically on his death bed has done so much...." She continued as if nothing happened. Meanwhile the family was in tears, and Patrick and I have our mouth agape. She then handed the microphone over to the wife of the dying man.