The holiday season officially began in downtown Eustis on Friday as hundreds of people turned out for the city’s 38th annual “Light Up Eustis” celebration.

Families filled Ferran Park for the countdown that lit the city’s Christmas tree, marking the end of Thanksgiving festivities and the start of the holiday stretch.

Live music, local vendors and a snow slide drew steady crowds throughout the evening. For many children, the highlight was Santa’s arrival on a fire truck — a tradition attendees say never gets old.

“Our favorite part is Santa on the fire truck,” said attendee Alaysha Helms.

Lines also stretched long for free photos with Santa.

“When you grow up seeing it and get to bring your kids, it’s just a full-circle moment,” one parent said.

Kaitlyn Fleck, who attended with her f

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