PHOTO GALLERY: Downtown Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Rheanna Stephens, 8, Haela Stephens, 6, Laura Gilliam with Barbie, Rhett Gilliam, 3, Hannah Ward with Lucy, and Hunter Gilliam, 11, pose in front of the lit Christmas tree.
People clap and cheer as the decorated tree is officially lit Friday, Nov. 23, in Five Points Park.
Olivia Silva, 3, with her grandparents Julio and Rosanne Silva
Remy, 2, and Louie, 4 mos.
Mr. Howard’s Music Makers performed Friday, Nov. 23, at Five Points Park as part of the Christmas tree lighting event. In the back row Seren Dillard, 11, Mr. Howard Folta, and Ben Becker, 12. In the front row Carter Knight, 9, Greyson Sparling, 8, Riley Dillard, 10, and Aitana Burman, 11.
Maia Linehan-Failla, 2, with her grandfather, Joe Failla at the Christmas tree lighting Friday, Nov. 23, at Five Points Park.
Macaire King, 13, Sandy King, Cuyler King, 12, Chase King, 7, and Avery King, 8.
Scott Henderson, Sonja Newton with her granddaughter, Milani Henderson, 18 mos., and Carly Henderson.
Wendy Getchell, far left, and Bonnie Kritzmacher, far right, of the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association with Rheann Stephens, 8, Sophia Bouazzaoui, 6, Katie Soshnikova, 6, Lili Burrow, 7, Kayla Maloy, 7, and Shayla White, 7 of Girls Inc.
The tree was lit and decorated as part of an event put on by the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association.