LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Lima!
On Friday evening, hundreds gathered in Town Square to watch Lima’s Christmas tree light up for Mix 103.3’s annual “Flip the Switch.” In addition to the tree lighting, the event featured plenty of holiday fun, including a visit from Santa Claus, a Polar Express train ride, hot chocolate, and various games and activities. In between the festivities, several families shared how kicking off the season with the tree lighting helps get them into the Christmas spirit.
"You get to see the excitement on the kids' face, and when we first got here, my daughter saw Santa. She was very excited, so it's about the kids," says Evan Wantland who visited "Flip the Switch" in Downtown Lima.
"Me and my wife, we brought her daughters, who would be my stepdaughters, and all the grandkids. It's actually the first time that we actually done anything like this with our grandkids at Christmas time, and it really brings a smile to our face and it brings Christmas home more," says Trent Mullins who visited "Flip the Switch" in Downtown Lima.
"Letting my kids come out to see the lights... it's one of their favorite things to actually think of. It's their favorite thing about Christmas is lights on Christmas trees or like inflatables and stuff, so watching to see their facial expressions at 7 o'clock when it goes off is just going to be worth it knowing that I had today off of work to spend it with them," Jessika Warnock who visited "Flip the Switch" in Downtown Lima.
"Why are you excited to be here tonight?" we asked. "Because all of the rides and I got to see Santa and the presents and gifts we need," says Joshua White who visited "Flip the Switch" in Downtown Lima.
“Why are you excited to be here tonight?" we asked. "Spend time with friends and family," says Bradley Newberry who visited "Flip the Switch" in Downtown Lima. "That is awesome, and what is your favorite thing about Christmas?" we asked as well. "Opening presents and spending time with friends and family," replies Newberry.
"What's your favorite thing about Christmas?" we asked. "Santa is coming, and I get toys," says Baylee Wantland who visited "Flip the Switch" in Downtown Lima.
The lucky person chosen to flip the switch also won a prize package trip for their family.
