SANFORD - Great music by Lee County High School's Marching Band and The Temple Teens, a visit by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and lighting of the Christmas tree all added to the festivities Nov. 29 as the Central Carolina Community College Foundation hosted its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration for the community.

The Marching Band escorted Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus onto the college's Lee Main Campus plaza, much to the delight of the children of all ages who came to welcome him. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrived in a fire truck, which was provided by the CCCC Emergency Services Training Center.

While the band entertained, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus took their special seats in the college's Welcome Center, which had been transformed with holiday decorations. There, the jolly old elf delighted the little ones and brought smiles to their families' faces by having his picture taken with them.

On the plaza, children gathered around Julian Philpott, CCCC Board of Trustees Chairman, listening eagerly as he read Clement Moore's holiday classic, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Then, the children and their families counted down to the moment when the Christmas tree suddenly glowed with its bright lights.

The tree is distinctive to the college because it embraces the vision, workmanship, and hands-on construction by students and faculty from the Computer-Aided Drafting Technology and Welding Technology departments.

The CCCC Laser and Photonics Technology program and CCCC men's basketball team also participated in the festivities.

The crowd filled the college's plaza, enjoying hot chocolate.

The "North Pole Post Office" was set up by the college's Business Services to allow children to write and send letters to Santa.

The college's Phi Theta Kappa honor society along with various CCCC clubs had the "Santa's Workshop" area for children to create holiday crafts.

The Christmas Tree Lighting was planned and coordinated by the CCCC Foundation and college volunteers.

"This is a great way for the college to start the season," said CCCC President T. Eston Marchant.

Those who had pictures taken with Santa Claus can view and download them at the college's website, www.cccc.edu/santapics.