Santa arrived from the North Pole in a bright, shiny red fire truck Sunday at Pine Community Center for Holiday Dazzle.

As he made his way through the crowd, Santa stopped to speak to a few children before he was led to his comfy chair inside the center. Once he plopped down there, his lap soon was full of kids of all sizes and ages.

Wexford Volunteer Fire Co. provided the wheels for Santa's big arrival before a crowd that seemed to get larger when the rain came down and they all headed inside.

In the meantime, 19-year-old Lincoln the Horse weathered the rain to provide carriage rides. Food vendors were outside also, cooking up kettle korn, pizza, hot dogs and more.

A bonfire burned, its pit surrounded by straw bales for comfy seating. They remained empty as the rain tried unsuccessfully to put the fire out.

Inside, the community center was packed as singing groups performed, crafts were made, and cookies were decorated. 

Holiday trees that lined the front hallway were decorated by local businesses and nonprofits -- visitors were asked to vote for their favorite as part of a fund-raising effort for local charities.