It may have been gloomy, and things may not have gone off exactly as planned.

But the end justified the means during Lehighton’s third annual Christmas in the Park event held Sunday in the borough parks.

This year’s event was the largest, with 143 small trees throughout the upper and lower parks, along with one large tree at the bandshell, said Autumn Abelovsky, secretary of the Lehighton Borough Parks and Recreation Board.

The large tree at the bandshell was topped with a star, referred to as “Louise’s Star.” The star was purchased by Louise Christman in 2016.

Christman passed away this past year and was a dedicated volunteer who made the tree lighting events a success.

Kathy Long dedicated the tree lighting to Christman.

Christman’s daughter, Lori Rohlfing, had the honor of lighting the tree.

“Tonight’s tree lighting is dedicated to the memory of Louise Christman and the everlasting legacy she leaves behind,” Rohlfing said.

The event also included caroling by the Pale Moon Players, and food and drink vendors.

Mayor Clark Ritter, who also serves as chairman of the parks and recreation board, credited Abelovsky and the rest of the board for their hard work.

“Autumn pretty much runs the show,” Ritter said. “She’s the main driving force behind it.”

Despite the less than stellar weather, Ritter said that didn’t prevent spectators from coming out in droves to see all the event had to offer.

“I was surprised by the number of people that came out with the weather we had. There were a couple of hundred people there,” Ritter said.

“It’s growing into a really good event for the community. They seem to enjoy walking around looking at the trees.”

While there was a problem with the lights in the upper park that Ritter attributed most likely to the weather, those he spoke with said they enjoyed the event immensely.

“It’s all positive. Different people remark about different trees,” he said. “There’s something for everybody. It’s a good event.”

The event was sponsored by Foothill Farm, Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Orioles Nest 183, Next Era Energy, Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank and Lehigh Fire Co. No 1, and the Borough of Lehighton Parks & Recreation Board.

Proceeds from the event are used for future events in the borough.

The trees will remain illuminated nightly throughout the Christmas season for all to enjoy.

All tree decorations must be removed between Jan. 11-13.

Last year’s event had 115 trees.

Terry Ahner contributed tothis report.