Lighting up the holiday

A crowd packed around the Santa house on Main Street in Carrollton Friday night to light up the community Christmas tree and the buildings throughout the downtown. Members of the Cartmell Elementary School Chorus perform at the holiday kick-off event, which is sponsored by Carrollton Main Street Program.

Jeannie Rider, above right, sings holiday favorites as the crowd awaits the countdown.

Carroll County Judge-Executive Harold “Shorty” Tomlinson falls into the shadows as he throws the switch at Light Up Carrollton. The lights will remain on each evening through Christmas.

Summer Ward, 10, and J.R. Ward, 2, both of Carrollton, sit below the Santa’s House sign, hoping the man in red would appear for a visit.