Prince George, B.C.- With the temperature warming a little, and light snow falling, there was a festive mood in the air tonight for two annual events.

First, at the Coast Inn of the North, singing and celebration with treats and hot chocolate as the two Christmas trees in the Hotel’s main lobby were lit up.

(at right, Allison Raper and Brook Simpson, members of the Immaculate Conception choir,  sing their hearts out  at the Coast Inn of the North) 

 

Normally, the tree on the hotel’s roof is lit up to show how it will look when the Salvation Army reaches it’s goal for donations over the Christmas season. This year, for only the second time in the event’s history, the tree was not available for light up. Although placed on the roof, the wind was too high and the temperature too cold to allow it to be ready for today’s event. 

That didn’t dampen any spirits, as three separate choirs entertained, and the children counted "1-2-3 light that tree!"

 

 

Then it was over to the Civic Centre Plaza, where a few hundred people enjoyed 

straw filled wagon rides,  

a make shift sliding hill, skating, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa himself as the Civic Centre tree was officially “lit” up.