It’s now officially the Christmas season.  Hays Mayor Barbara Wasinger presided over the “Bright Friday” Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the downtown Union Pacific Park at dusk Friday evening.

Wearing red Santa hats, dancers from the Jackie Creamer Dance Studio first entertained the audience with a holiday theme dance and got a rousing cheer as they lined up to kick dance Rockette-style.

A special guest appearance was made by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who brought along their reindeer and elf friends.  On hand to greet them was Chilly the Penguin, the new mascot of the Hays Public Library, who handed out copies of his new book “Swept Up in Snowflakes.”

The event was organized by the Downtown Hays Development Corporation and historic Chestnut Street District.