Downtown State College got a little brighter last night with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at the Allen Street Gates.

The event, in its 11th year, is sponsored by the State College Downtown Improvement District, said its director, Teresa Sparacino.

The evening began when State College Mayor Bill Welch welcomed the crowd to the event. Following that, Mrs. Claus read The Polar Express to all of the children who were a part of the crowd of about 500.

Many performances took place throughout the evening, including ones from The Penn State Dance Team, Volé, which is Penn State's ballet club, Orchesis and Savoir Faire.

Kelly Silvis (sophomore-public relations), said she and fellow dance team members enjoy coming to events like this one.

"It's nice to do other things for the community besides just sporting events," Silvis said. "We can interact more one on one with people in the community."

Many Penn State students said they were enjoying themselves as much as all of the children at the event.

Chrissy Prosperi (junior-microbiology) said her family always brought her to events similar to this one when she was a child, and she enjoyed coming to things like this because it made her feel like a kid again.

"I just think it's fun, and I love everything that has to do with Christmas," she said. She added that she had passed the tree all week prior to the event, and the smell of the tree had put her in the Christmas mood.

Full-time musicians Dan Crosser and Galla Higinbotham, of the duo Dan and Galla, hosted the event and provided entertainment throughout the evening.

Higinbotham said this was their second year performing during the tree-lighting ceremony.

"It's a wonderful way to kick off the season," Higinbotham said of the event. "A lot of work goes into this. What is nice is everyone working together. The kids' faces make it all worth it."

The event concluded with a drawing in which the winner helped Santa Claus with lighting the tree.

Children under 12 years of age were entered into the drawing if they donated a toy to Toys for Tots.

The U.S. Marines supported the Toys for Tots collection. Jason Caldwell represented the Marines, and he said he was collecting whatever toys were being donated.

Baylie Cameron of Boalsburg was the winner of the raffle.

Many local businesses were providing free refreshments to all who attended. Starbucks was there giving out free coffee, the Lions Club provided hot chocolate, Irving's Bagels gave out hot apple cider, and cookies were provided by many local businesses.

Jai Gray, manager of Starbucks, said this was the first year they had participated in the event, but they hoped to continue to do so in the future.

"Starbucks is committed to community events, and we are trying to give back to the community," he said.

Other local businesses said the event was a good way to kick off the holiday season.

"I think it's fun. It gets everyone in the festive mood," said Betsy Suhey, owner of Aurum Jewelers and Goldsmiths, 132 S. Allen St.