The annual Ludowici Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony took place Thursday at the Old Well Pavilion and park.

It began with Long County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Howard welcoming all and giving the order to turn on the lights. With the lights lit, children from all over the area lined up to sit in Santa’s lap and tell him what they hoped to find under their tree on Christmas morning. As the kids talked to Santa, teens and parents enjoyed a variety of cookies and other snacks.

This year, there also was a cake auction with proceeds going to the Long County Library. The majority of the cakes were made by women known for their desserts.

The treat that brought in the most money was a five-layer chocolate cake made by Carolyn Mock. Businessman Danny Norman bid $100 to take the cake home. Library Manager Tammy Goober said the auction raised more than $900.

“I am so thankful to all who donated cakes and to all who bid on them,” Goober said. “I also want to give a special thanks to the Chamber of Commerce who let the library piggyback on their event tonight. Without them doing that, we wouldn’t have raised near as much money as we did.”

Long County Commissioner Clifton DeLoach said the annual event gets bigger every year.

“This is a great turnout, DeLoach said. “I’m happy to see this many out here tonight, and having this special cake auction for the library was a great idea.”

Go to www.community.coastalcourier.com to see more pictures from the night.