Santa met with children.

There were hayrides and contests. Voices and instruments produced Christmas favorites.

Hot cocoa, popcorn, and candy were available.

On Friday, hundreds of people lined the streets of Sugar Grove for the annual event.

Photo submitted to Times Observer The winner of the inaugural Sugar Grove ‘Best Decorated House’ contest was the Sue, Paul, and Morris Beetle residence at 311 Main St.

“New this year was a ‘Best Decorated House’ competition,” Lisa Barr said.

The goal is to encourage participation and light up the town.

“When I reached out to businesses for donations, they were very gracious,” Barr said.

Sponsors were the Bucket, New Beginnings, Schauer’s Auto, Wilcox Brothers Hardware, Grant Lumber, Brokenstraw Forestry, the Sugar Grove Laundromat, Kwik Fill, and AMVETS.

Sue, Paul, and Morris Beetle at 311 Main St. won first prize, with a total prize package valued at $175. Dru Freeborough at 2 Curtis St. earned a $125 prize package for second, and Michelle Miller of 213 Jamestown St. won third place – worth $65 and an oil change.

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Carolers from Sugar Grove Mission Covenant Church (from left) Robert Knisley, Jen Knisley, Mary Sweeney, Amy Smith, and Todd Sweeney sing Friday night outside of Wilcox Brothers Hardware during a Sugar Grove Christmas.

“So many are excited to enter next year,” Barr said.

There were lines to visit Santa in the park and at the borough building for the hayrides by Bill Gourley. Visitors could enter for a chance to win the teddy bear at the Sugar Grove Laundromat. Inside Wilcox Brothers Hardware the band was playing. Outside there was caroling by Sugar Grove Mission Covenant Church. Fires at the corner of Wilson and Main streets provided some heat and light and a place to gather. At 7 p.m. spectators all over the borough and beyond looked to the sky for the fireworks display.

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Ellie Preston tells Santa what she wants for Christmas while her brother, Eldon, waits his turn Friday during a Sugar Grove Christmas.