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To say that Market Square was overflowing with people at this year's tree lighting is an understatement.
Not only was the square itself packed, but so was the whole of Chaplin Street East adjacent, and parts of Central Avenue North and First Avenue NE. Families, friends, and Christmas tree enthusiasts were all gathered to watch as Swift Current Mayor, Al Bridal, counted down the big moment.
After a minor delay, the lights came on and dazzled the crowd, marking a start to the Christmas season in Swift Current.
"It was just a pause for dramatic effect," said Bridal. "We got down to "one" and we just had that two or three-second pause, just for dramatic effect.
And then bang! It lit up."
Once the tree was lit up, Santa Claus arrived shortly after on one of the big red fire engines from the Swift Current Fire Department. He was quickly surrounded by children, eager to meet St. Nick.
He would soon move over to the Christmas tree, where he had kids lining up until the end of the night to pass along their Christmas wishes.
Ecole Cenntenial School had their choir singing songs well into the evening, enchanting everyone with their voices.
Hutch Ambulance was accepting donations in an attempt to fill up their ambulance with Christmas needs for Southwest Crisis Services and the Swift Current Salvation Army.
The Swift Current Broncos mixed and mingled throughout the crowd. Other popular selfie partners were the Grinch, Elsa, Rudolph and other characters.
Wagon rides pulled by a team of horses made numerous trips through the enchanted lights of Memorial Park.
Golden West Radio had warmth on tap, handing out hot chocolate to people needing a bit of heat to keep the chill out of their smiles. Beside them, the aptly named Frosty Bean crew handed out dozens if not hundreds of treats to help with any sweet tooths.
All in all, the community was able to join together once again for tree lighting to start the Christmas season.
"This is what community is about," said Bridal. "Living in a community, if you just live there, you just live there. But this is something we can all do together. Whether it's +5 C° or -20 C°, we're all out there together counting down and watching the Christmas tree come on, listening to all the carols. This is what community is."