Hundreds attend lighting ceremony

SANDUSKY — Even with the freezing weather, a warm feeling overcame many on Friday night when they saw Santa Claus arrive and Washington Park light up for the first time this holiday season. Several hundred people convened in downtown Sandusky to witness the yearly Holiday Lighting Ceremony. The festive, annual celebration typically occurs the day after Thanksgiving. While Santa's presence served as the main attraction, many other highlights — including student musical performances, treats distributed by local organizations and food trucks whipping up snacks — helped make the night magical. In addition, the Merry-Go-Round Museum offered free admission, and the Sandusky Christmas Market, at Schade-Mylander Plaza, debuted. Many people eagerly await this event, marking it on their calendars. This would include Cole Cotter, of Sandusky, who showed up with his loved ones. "It has been a tradition for us to come out with family and see the lights," Cotter said. Many even made quite the drive to show up. "We came out with my grandma and other family to see Santa," said Thea Mardis, who traveled from Wadsworth, Ohio. Sandusky ex officio mayor Dick Brady addressed the crowd mere minutes before Santa's arrival. He talked about how this season can inspire hope and offer restored faith in many different aspects of life. He used snippets from "The Polar Express" movie to get his point across. Along with his grandchildren, it's his favorite film. Christmastime "is about choosing to believe in Santa and Christmas in the joyous season," Brady said. "This is where the magic begins. I can assure each of you that as long as there is a Sandusky, there will be a Santa Claus that lives inside each one of you, young and old." Come see Santa Santa Claus also marks his return to the Cookie House this year. He's eager and willing to hear the holiday wish lists of good little boys and girls. Santa made himself available to visit with children at the Cookie House, in Washington Park, between 5-8 p.m. on the following Fridays and Saturdays and 2-5 p.m. on the following Sundays: • Dec. 6-8 • Dec. 13-15 • Dec. 20-22 Visit the Sandusky Community Celebrations Council's Facebook page, facebook.com/sanduskycommunitycelebrationscouncil, for more information.