LAKEVILLE — A gathering of children, parents, volunteers and local pageant luminaries welcomed Santa Claus to the Lions Club Saturday, Dec. 7 to kick-off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting.

At about 6 p.m. Santa was chauffeured to the 170 Main St. club by Lakeville Fire Department Squad 1 with an escort from Engine 1 with lights and sirens heralding his arrival to spectators’ delight.

For the eighth year, the Lakeville Lions Club presented to the town its signature, community service tree lighting. 

Club President Robert S. Wilson said the wholesome event offers families the opportunity to create lasting memories while collecting toys for the less fortunate.

“It’s about the kids,” he said. “They love it.”

The occasion’s main focus is making a meaningful contribution to the community, Wilson noted.

“We’re a community organization,’’ he said. “We do this for the town.’’

Santa Claus and the tree lighting may have been the star and main event, respectively, of the celebration, but there were plenty of other activities to keep visitors entertained.

Live music and the sweet sounds of carolers filled the area, while children roasted marshmallows for S’mores in near-freezing temperatures and club members handed out fresh baked cookies and hot chocolate. 

Cookies and hot chocolate were also served indoors where children shared their Christmas hopes with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“The goal is to put smiles on people’s faces and to bring the Christmas spirit to the world,” said club member Nancy Richmond, while holding her therapy dog, Benji, who was dressed in festive garb.

Benji is no stranger to media attention: His “marriage’’ to Freckles was featured in an October 2022 edition of NemasketWeek, Richmond noted.