Santa, Mrs. Claus appear at city tree lighting

Forget a red sleigh.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus pulled up to the Maricopa’s City Hall Tuesday night in style – courtesy of the Maricopa Police Department. Jolly Saint Nick and his wife stepped out of a white unmarked police SUV flanked by two police cars. Surprised children inside City Hall rushed out to greet the couple.

“Ho ho ho Maricopa!” the man in the red suit said before entering the building. “Good evening.”

The famous North Pole couple – played by local residents Linda and Richard Huggins (ssshhh don’t tell the kids) – appeared at the main municipal building as part of a tree-lighting ceremony that could be the first in an annual tradition.

“It’s a great way to kick off the holidays,” said city spokeswoman LaTricia Woods.

The 12-foot artificial tree sitting in the municipal building’s front lobby was lighted after community members counted down from 10. The tree is adorned with white and blue ornaments. Decorative present boxes circle its base.

The ceremony took place prior to the 7 p.m. city council meeting.

City officials said they hope to make the tree-lighting ceremony an annual tradition. City councilwoman Peggy Chapados explained the city has never been able to have a celebration on a similar scale, with the community involved.

“It’s pretty significant,” Chapados said.

The Maricopa Chorus performed songs of the season and led attendees in singing Christmas tunes.

A lighted holiday wreath has been hung on the outside of the City Hall building. Another wreath also hangs at the police administration building and the city library. Each wreath was donated by Walmart.