GROVES — Decked out in a Santa hat and carrying her Elf on the Shelf, Shay Latiolais waited for her cue and flipped the switch to light the towering Christmas tree at Celebration Park thus officially ushering in the holiday season on Friday.

The large crowd oohed and aahed aloud as the tree lit and nearby, balloons were released.

Groves Mayor Brad Bailey explained that this marked the 19^th year for the annual celebration. Latiolais was at the event with her brother, Joey, and grandmother Teri Schildknecht.

Celebration Park, 4401 Lincoln Ave., was decked out with lighted scenes, garland and bows courtesy of the Groves Beautification Committee.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand once again posing for photos with excited, and some not so excited, children. Amy Wolfe brought along her family including children Peyton, 3, and Jonathan, 2. Wolfe said this wasn’t their first time to attend the event.

John and Cheryl Cormier and Heather Poss were stationed not far from the gazebo where they were able to get a glimpse of Poss’ daughter and the Cormier’s granddaughter, Lillian Poss. Lillian Poss is a member of the Groves Elementary School fifth grade choir, which provided some of the night’s musical entertainment.

A brass band made up of Lamar University students completed the musical entertainment while just outside the gates was a live nativity scene courtesy of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.