Hundreds of people crowded into the Josiah White Park in Jim Thorpe Friday night for the annual Old Tyme Christmas tree-lighting program.

The event, sponsored by the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency, was highlighted with the arrival of Santa Claus on a trolley car.

He was greeted in front of the Hooven Building where he stepped off the trolley by Jim Thorpe High School cheerleaders, forming a double line through which he walked.

James Dougher, president of the tourism agency, introduced the jolly guest from a pavilion in the park. Santa then flicked a switch that lit the lights of a tree on the opposite side of the park.

Santa made his way through the throng to the tree where he listened to the Christmas wishes of visiting youngsters.

The cheerleaders did their routines with pompoms while awaiting Santa’s arrival.

In addition, band members played numerous Christmas songs.

There also was a caroling group in the park.

Brynn Strousky of Kidder Township said she has been attending each of the Old Tyme Christmas programs since she moved to the area about a decade ago. “They always brought him here on a fire truck,” she said. “The trolley is nice, though.”

Numerous vendors were set up for the occasion.