While the weather was cold, the approximately 35 attendees brought a good deal of holiday warmth to the annual Southside tree lighting Dec. 7 at Tranquility Park. Among them were gentlemen dressed as the Three Kings.

Anna Smith, director of the Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem, welcomed attendees, first in English and then in Spanish. CADC sponsored the event.

Smith commended the children who had decorated the tree. Volunteers at the Bethlehem Public Library had made the ornaments using recycled paper from old books.

After Steve Samuelson, state representative of the 135th Legislative District, made brief remarks, Bethlehem City Councilwoman Olga Negron lit the tree, and the crowd broke into applause.

The tree lighting concluded with attendees singing “Silent Night,” first in English and then in Spanish. Children and their parents then made their way to a holiday party at the Southside Branch of the Bethlehem Public Library. There young attendees could have their faces painted and chat with Santa, There were also crafts, cookies and cocoa. The latter was most welcome after the cold walk along Fourth Street from Tranquility Park.