Mother Nature was kind to Oakhurst last Saturday as she provided a break in a series of winter storms for more than 500 people to enjoy the annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony on the corner of Highway 41 and Crane Valley Road (426).

Children screamed with delight as they saw the flashing lights and heard the siren of a Station 12 fire engine approaching the festivities with a special passenger - Santa Claus. The jolly man in the red suit and white beard greeted every family and child that patiently stood in a long line to see him.

Just before Santa's arrival, Charley Montgomery, Justine Rockey, Callista Mohler and Xander Mohler threw the switch that turned on the lights on the 60-foot tree that was cut, hauled to Oakhurst and decorated by a Sierra Tel construction crew. Families were treated to more than 700 hot dogs courtesy of Century 21 - Ditton Realty and music was provided by the Sierra Chamber Singers and the Yosemite High School Concert Choir.