Songs, Santa and a Parade of Lights

LAKEVILLE — Santa Claus, Christmas carols, a tree lighting and a parade — plus unseasonably mild weather — made for an entertaining evening Sunday, Dec. 2, at the firehouse on Brook Street in Lakeville.A long line of youngsters waited with their parents inside the firehouse to get a few moments with Santa (who was ably assisted by several elves). For those taking a more do-it-yourself approach to gift-buying, the warehouse space across the back parking lot hosted artisans and their wares. (The sale will be open again Dec. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)David Davis of Hillhome Country Products in Norfolk was tempting the hungry and unwary with samples of marmalades, preserves, pickles — and a Vidalia onion chutney that could well redefine the very essence of the humble grilled cheeseburger.As darkness fell, the Salisbury Band Christmas Brass and Hot Chocolate Society assembled on the bandstand in front of the firehouse, where three trees awaited the throwing of the switch. Candles were lit and handed out.After the trees were lit, the Rev. Joe Kurnath of the Church of St. Mary in Lakeville led the singing in a pleasant light baritone.And then it was time for the Parade of Lights (for video of it, go to www.tricornernews.com). The whoops and howls of sirens could be heard in the distance as the first of the decked-out emergency services vehicles crested Main Street at the Lincoln City Road stop light and made their way, slowly, down the hill toward the firehouse. And the holiday season officially commenced.