There was no shortage of holiday cheer in the Palmerton Borough Park on Saturday, as the Holiday Lighting Committee hosted its 11th annual Christmas in the Park.

The event has quickly become a favorite of Palmerton residents, as well as neighbors from nearby towns.

The day’s festivities culminated with the lighting of 154 Christmas trees adopted and decorated by residents, businesses and community groups.

With the weather cooperating, the day was filled with entertainment, craft and food vendors representing both local nonprofit groups and merchants.

Entertainment started with the national anthem being performed by the Towamensing Elementary School Chorus and the invocation by the United Veterans Organization’s Color Guard.

The Bell Choir of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church followed as the crowd awaited the arrival of St. Nick. Santa was escorted into town by the Palmerton Fire Department and rode into the park on a horse-drawn carriage.

Children who waited in line to sit on Santa’s lap were entertained by Tinsel, a strolling Christmas tree creating balloon art for the little ones.

The children also received a gift bag and were entered into a drawing to win gifts including bicycles, scooters and wagons. These prizes were generously donated by various community sponsors.

Also available throughout the afternoon was face painting and horse drawn carriage rides through the town.

The students from Off the Charts music school capped off the entertainment for the day, singing carols showcasing their talents.

At dusk, local high school athletes representing the successful fall sport teams at Palmerton High School flipped the switch lighting the 154 trees to cheers from the crowd.

Many of the trees were decorated by first timers, who have waited some time for the opportunity.

“This was a transition year for us,” said Michele O’Neill, Holiday Lighting Committee chairwoman. “We had a lengthy list where people were waiting years for a tree to become available.

“We wanted to make the adoption process more accessible for everyone. Based on the attendance at this year’s event, there is increased excitement within the community.”

Next year, the Christmas trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the adoption events publicized on social media and through local media outlets.