Photo by COREY PERRINE, Naples Daily News // Buy this photo
Corey Perrine/Staff Spectators cheer as the annual Christmas tree is lit Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 on 5th Avenue in downtown Naples, Fla. Thousands came out to celebrate the 38th Annual Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting Ceremony. This Naples holiday tradition was emceed by local television personality and news anchor for NBC2, Krista Fogelsong. The evening commenced with a performance by the ReCreation Tappers on the Sugden Plaza, followed by a performance by Poinciana Elementary School. The lighting of the Christmas tree was by Mayor John Sorey as well as a visit from Santa Claus. The evening included holiday performances and activities by local acts all along Fifth Avenue South from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Winter precipitation of the Florida variety failed to deter the hundreds who gathered Thursday evening on Fifth Avenue South for the city of Naples' annual Christmas tree lighting.
"We've got a little liquid snowflakes out here tonight," noted Mayor John Sorey, who wore suspenders, a plaid shirt and Santa hat during the drizzle.
Just before 6:30 p.m., Sorey led a countdown at Sugden Plaza, which was decked out in decorations paid for by hotelier Phil McCabe.
Applause greeted the lighting of the tree and plaza, which Mary Lou and Paul Bast were just in time for.
"I'm so happy they have this for everybody," Mary Lou Bast said while her husband snapped photos from behind the tree.
"Sweetheart, this is a good picture. Look at this," she said, pointing to the canopy of lights that stretched the length of the plaza.
Huck the greyhound spent the evening at his master's side, getting as many comments as the festive decor. Susan Barry had outfitted her pup in a plaid collar with jingle bells and a Santa hat.
"I think he's a little humiliated," she said.
Katie and Emma Badham of Golden Gate waited in line to sit on Santa's lap to ask for hairdye and a Nintendo 3DS.
"I did it once at the mall," Katie, 7, said of her last encounter with the bearded elf.
This year's event featured 38 groups of professional and school-aged performers that lined the street after the lighting for entertainment that lasted until 9:30 p.m.
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