This is a slide show of the 2005 Amherst Christmas Tree Lighting  Ceremony  held  December 3rd at city hall.                                            It was a cold night for Santa to arrive, but all were ready. The St. Paul Lutheran Church bell choir, the Ding-a-Lings, were playing our favorite carols. Check out the special spelling of the group name on the first slide. I could not believe it but it seems someone was inspired to dance  in front of the group as they played. After she was removed the bells chimed on. Along with the Ding-a-Lings there was  a small band and a group that was perched on the city hall steps watching for the arrival of Santa. When Santa did appear in a blinding flash of light, you can see the horror in the children's eyes as it appeared that Santa was nearly hit by a pick up truck.  After the initial shock wore off, it could be seen that Santa was actually standing in the bed of a pick up truck. It appeared he was not harmed by this scary arrival.  After a couple of HOHO's  He invited everyone to come an talk to him at the model train exhibit at the old post office, where it was warm. .Before you could  say "Up the chimney he rose", Santa and most of the children were gone. Sadly, the Ding-a-Lings  and their groupies were all that were left that cold winters night at the town hall in Amherst, Ohio.    Merry Christmas to all, and to all a warm night.