LAKEVILLE — Santa made a big entrance to ring in the Christmas season at the fifth-annual Lakeville Lions Christmas Tree Lighting.

Riding to the event in a lit-up fire engine, Lakeville residents were not fazed by the chilly weather when they warmly welcomed Father Christmas to the festivities.

“We have a great turnout here,” said event coordinator and Lakeville Lions member Christopher Plonka. “It’s all for the community.”

The event benefitted the community in addition to being an opportunity to get Lakeville in the Christmas spirit. 

Two donation vans were present, one for Toys For Tots and the other collecting nonperishable food items for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul food pantry in Middleboro. Plonka said the Toys For Tots donations would be taken to the Lakeville Police donation area after the event.

Former Miss Lakeville and current Miss Taunton Lily Jeswald led attendees in Christmas carols including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” and “Jingle Bells”. She invited children to the microphone to sing carols and wish others a Merry Christmas.

Plonka and Jeswald led the crowd in a countdown to light up the tree, which stands on the Lakeville Lions clubhouse lawn on Main Street.

After Santa arrived, the line to take photos and relay gift requests went out the door of the Lakeville Lions clubhouse.

Requests ranged from an iPad and Pokémon to a remote-controlled snake.

Attendees mingled and enjoyed hot chocolate and Munchkins donated by the Lakeville Dunkin’ Donuts. There was also a fire to toast marshmallows for s’mores.