SANFORD - Great music by Lee County High School's Marching Band, a visit by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and lighting of the Christmas tree all added to the festivities Dec. 1 as Central Carolina Community College hosted its Fourth 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, driven by Dwight Dixon, 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. Charlee Cougar, the college mascot, was also on hand. Mrs. Claus handed out festive sugar cookies and Santa Claus handed out treat bags to the children.

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.

The quest to replace the traditional Fraser fir began in September 2015 with the Computer-Aided Drafting Technology department drawing up the plans for the structure of the tree. Bryan Truelove, a former CAD student and recent CCCC graduate, spent several hours measuring and configuring the diameter, base, and overall height of the tree. He was coached by former Lead CAD Instructor Ben Cole.

After completing a workable design, the drawings were shared with the Welding Technology Fabrication 151 class, which embraced the tree as a class project. Directed by Lead Welding Instructor Charles Bell and Welding Instructor David Myers, the students worked diligently to create the frame for the tree using hands-on machinery, cold roll pipe and welding assembly. "This has been a wonderful opportunity for students to get hands-on experience and to know the culmination of their efforts will be appreciated by the college and community during the tree lighting ceremony for years to come," said Bell.

Those who participated in the tree project were recognized before the lighting of the tree.

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

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

The college's Phi Theta Kappa honor society had the "Santa's Workshop" area for children to create and decorate greeting cards.

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.E. Marchant.

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