The Renton Piazza is decked with boughs of holly, thanks to volunteers and the city of Renton.

Last Saturday, kids and adults alike enjoyed cider, cookies, candy canes and most importantly, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The line wrapped around the Piazza so kids could have their chance to request a gift from Santa and get a reminder to be nice, not naughty.

Pat Roland, one of the volunteers with the Renton Piazza group, has been volunteering for eight years. “[The tree lighting] is good for the community; it brings everyone together,” she said.

And it certainly did.

This year’s event brought out nearly 200 youngsters alone, according to Roland, who got involved with the Piazza group when she moved to Renton eight years ago. The story of Roland’s involvement has an element of Christmas magic to it.

“I moved to Renton after my husband passed, and while I was walking along the river one of the other volunteers approached me and asked me if I wanted to be a volunteer,” she said. “It’s wonderful to know you are making a difference in the community.”

Kids appeared to be enjoying the cold temperatures and candy canes being passed out by elves. Volunteers talked up the imminent entrance of Santa’s grand fire truck, which came with the help of Lt. Rick Lacock, Zach Hart and Christian Mack.

Kayla Baldwin, 12, enjoyed dancing to the music of the Harambee band. She said she attended because she really loves Christmas.

Tim Williams, recreation director for the City of Renton, was also on hand. This was his second year supervising the tree lighting and he noted that the event is “always so well organized.”

The $7,000 budget allowed every tree in the front of the Piazza to be lit. Lights go on at 4 p.m. and are off by 9 p.m. until New Year’s Eve.

Santa will be at the Piazza Dec.9-10, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 16-17, 5-7 to hear Christmas wishes and pose for pictures.

Traci Tate of Renton is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.