A bitter 22 degrees didn’t stop a crowd of about 150 people from attending the Penn Forest Township tree lighting.

The parks committee held the sixth annual lighting Saturday evening at Penn Forest Recreation Park, where a pole decorated with Christmas lights in the shape of a tree was illuminated. Everyone was happily awaiting Santa’s arrival and his lighting of the tree.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus showed up on a firetruck, much to the delight of the children.

“This brings everyone out,” noted parks committee member Joanne Rice. “We hope to bring some cheer and let everyone enjoy themselves.”

The Professors, Noah Georgis on piano and Sam Sterner on drums, played jazz Christmas tunes. This was only their second appearance and the duo entertained the crowd with favorites including “Linus and Lucy,” also known as the Charlie Brown song.

Girl Scout Troop 30410, Jim Thorpe, served hot chocolate, a big hit in the cold weather. The Scouts also offered apple cider and a variety of tasty cookies which were all free, but donations were gratefully accepted.

Alyssa Ohl, who grew up in Bearview, recalled there wasn’t a park when she was young. She said that she enjoys the community park and uses it often, including roller skating there on a regular basis.

Four-year-old Elijah Correale, there with his parents, Denise and Tarez, of Jim Thorpe, was very specific in what he wanted to request from Santa: “A black remote control truck” topped his wish list.

Olivia Nelson, 11, of Jim Thorpe said, “I like to talk to Santa to tell him what I want.”

What does she want? What many 11-year-olds want, of course: a new phone.