Fourth and Main was closed off last Friday for the annual tree lighting celebration. Families gathered around the front of Wells Fargo awaiting the arrival of Santa. Children chanted his name as the clock neared his scheduled arrival at 5:30. Different choir groups took the stage and sang Holiday classics, getting members of the audience to sing and dance.

Santa Nana, who’s Santa’s sister, said “I’m here this evening to help with the naughty and nice list. The last few years, we’ve done [the naughty and nice list] in excel.”

At 5:45 exactly, with great cheer from the audience, all of Main Street was lit up. With assistance from Grand Junction Fire Department, Santa then mounted the fork lift and was shuttled to his special chair. Children were invited to take pictures with him and tell him what they wanted this holiday season.

ljdavids@mavs.coloradomesa.edu