HolidayFest and the 2013 Mill Creek Tree Lighting took place last Friday night in South Portland. The event featured horse-drawn carriage rides, food, a visit from Santa Claus and caroling by the South Portland High School and middle school chorus students. The event culminated with a Christmas tree lighting. Here, young carolers await – with varying degrees of impatience – the start of the singing program in the gazebo at Mill Creek Park during the annual holiday lighting of the trees.

HolidayFest“I want that one!” Not impressed with the choice of his mom, Tara Kosma, for a Christmas tree, Roman Babineau of South Portland indicates his preference.Rotarian Bill Daviero prepares a Christmas tree for Lee Royal and his children, Brennan and Amelie, at the Rotary Club of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Christmas tree sale in Mill Creek Park.Cole Benevides and his dad, Scott, walk through Mill Creek Park after the holiday tree lighting ceremony.Beverly Hosick, the choral director at South Portland High School, leads her young carolers through a selection of seasonal songs before the lighting of the holiday trees.