Winside lights up Sunday night

WINSIDE, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska community rang in the holiday season Sunday night.

The village of Winside counted down the seconds until lighting up its community park, with families in attendance celebrating the start of the Christmas season.

Carolers rode throughout the down, while Santa and Mrs. Claus welcomed youngsters into the Winside Auditorium.

Cookies and hot chocolate were available for those inside as they waited for the outdoor festivities to commence.

And when the big moment came, the Winside Volunteer Fire Department led the countdown.

Members of the community gathered last month to decorate the park before making the big lighted reveal Sunday night.