KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- Hundreds of people braved the cold and turned out for Kalamazoo’s annual tree lighting ceremony last night, filling Bronson Park. The annual tradition seems to grow every year.

It included of course the City Commissioners reading “Twas the night before Christmas” with a little assistance from the children in the crowd.

And then there was the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, who officially started the countdown for the tree lighting.

Its part Civic Event and partly a boost for downtown merchants who also rely on the Christmas season for a good portion of their annual income.