Sun staff
Batavia Township officials hosted their annual tree lighting celebration at the packed Batavia Township Community Center Dec. 4.
The tree lighting was preceded by a performance by dozens of children in the Batavia Elementary School Choir.
The choir sung several Christmas carols including Frosty the Snowman, Up on the Housetop and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Afterward, the children helped count down to the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Township trustees and officials served cookies, ice cream and other refreshments at the event and children were also able to visit with Santa.
“I liked how they had cookies,” Alexis Scales, 10, of Batavia, said.
Alexis, who is in the Batavia Elementary Choir, said it was fun to sing in front of everyone at the event.
“My favorite song I sung was Silent Night,” Alexis said.
Alexis said she is looking forward to Christmas dinner and getting Christmas presents.
Her mother, Christine, said she enjoyed the event and watching her daughter sing.
“I was really proud of her, they sing really well,” Christine Scales said.
Justin Vest, 10, of Batavia, also performed with the choir, and he said singing is one of his favorite things.
“I like to give people pleasure by using my voice and acting,” Vest said.
Vest said his other favorite part of the night was counting down to light the Christmas tree.
Becky Durbin, of Batavia, also brought her children to the event.
“We love it,” Durbin said. “We come every year. The kids love coming to see Santa.”
Township trustees sponsored the annual tree lighting event and invite anyone in the community to join in on the celebration.
For more information about events at Batavia Township Community center visit www.bataviatownship.org .
“I thought it went great,” Rex Parsons, township administrator, said. “I thought the Batavia Choir did it a great job singing and Santa did a great job spreading the holiday cheer.”