Santa Claus was the guest of honor at Woolwich’s annual tree lighting Sunday evening, Dec. 4 at the historic Nequasset Meetinghouse. The Special Events Committee, sponsors of the program, accepted canned, dry goods and cash donations for Bath Area Food Bank.

Allison Hepler, selectman and District 53 representative, served as master of ceremonies. Hepler and resident Sharon Pyne led everyone in singing holiday carols including many favorites like “Silent Night,” “The First Noel,” “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and more. Live, rollicking music was provided by folk musicians The Montsweagers. Pastor David Ouellette of North Woolwich United Methodist Church gave a prayer for the season.

A highlight of the evening was when youngsters were invited to gather around resident Tamara Lilly for her reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” written by Clement Clarke Moore and first published in 1823.

Santa Claus treated the youngsters to a surprise gift. Then came the lighting of the holiday tree on the meetinghouse lawn.

“It’s been three years since we’ve been able to hold this event indoors and I’d say this is one of the biggest crowds ever,” Jason Shaw, select board vice chairman, commented afterwards. “We had people of all ages including young couples who brought their children.”