A winter's downpour didn't stop people from participating and attending the annual Tamaqua Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Depot Square Park over the weekend. The event, held as part of the Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival and organized by members of the Tamaqua Beautification Association, was the finale of the four-day festival.

Speakers included Kevin Steigerwalt, president, Tamaqua Beautification Association; Jean Ann Towle, chairman, Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas; and Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison. Guest speaker was Judy Hoppes, Tamaqua community volunteer and former festival chairman, who talked about the importance of tradition and volunteerism.In their addresses, Towle and Steigerwalt thanked the Spirit of Christmas Committee; Frank Fabrizio for his many years dedicated to decorating the park;, as well as the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce and Tamaqua Borough Council for their dedicated work.In addition to the speakers, spectators enjoyed holiday songs for the 21st year in a row by the Tamaqua Jazz Chorale, which was under the direction of John Buglio.Following the tree lighting, everyone was invited to the Tamaqua Ambulance garage for free contest cookies and refreshments.