Community gathered Saturday for annual holiday tree lighting ceremony

Photo from Paso Robles Main Street Association.
–Hundreds of people, many from out of town, assembled at the gazebo in Paso Robles historic downtown city park last Friday evening for the traditional tree-lighting ceremony.

Paso Robles City Council members and members of Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association gathered to celebrate at the annual lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy Steve Martin.
Chad Stevens acted as master of ceremonies as the great switch was thrown and the park was illuminated with holiday lights. Mayor Steve Martin greeted the crowd, deputizing them as “city council members for the evening.” He called for a motion from Mayor Pro Tem Fred Strong to declare this the, “Merriest Christmas Ever.” Councilmen Steve Gregory and John Hamon seconded the motion and the entire audience shouted “Aye” to make it official.
Council members and special guests joined the crowd in a sing-along followed by free cookies and hot chocolate.
The downtown tree-lighting is the holiday kick-off event sponsored by the Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association.