A steady drizzle on Friday, Dec. 5, didn’t stop the community from launching its annual Christmas in the Park festivities at Lillian Recreational Park.

The preview party moved forward with food, music, raffles and a live auction as families strolled past illuminated scenes that will stay lit through Dec. 31.

Children returned the next day for hands-on activities that included face painting, Gingerbread Golf, Christmas Bingo and craft projects. A Santa Shop stocked with low-cost items gave boys and girls a chance to pick out gifts for parents and siblings.

The weekend’s biggest moment came with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Their planned helicopter landing was grounded by the weather, although the change did little to curb enthusiasm. Children lined up to share Christmas wishes and drop letters into a nearby mailbox set aside for messages they didn’t want Santa to forget.

Local businesses helped power the two-day celebration. Diamond sponsors were Brown Helicopter and United Bank. Point Broadband served as the Gold Sponsor. Silver Sponsors were Dr. C’s Vision Care, Edward Jones, Lillian Chevron, Moore Fasteners, Perdido Auto Spa, IWC Services, Verret Realty, Perdido Bay Water and Riviera Utilities. Bronze Sponsors were Alabama Credit Union, Baldwin County Sewer Service and Columbia Southern University, Evans Automotive and Infinity Document Systems. Copper Sponsors were Ebert Insurance and Home Depot.