It isn’t “officially” the Christmas Season until “Christmas in Middletown” – so let the season begin!

Saturday’s celebration of Christmas in Middletown was a huge success.

Carols were sung, trees were lighted, ponies were ridden, crowds were shopping, smiling children everywhere, walking tree out and about, Santa was jolly and there was just the right amount of chill in the air. But, I don’t have to tell you ... most of you were there.

On behalf of the association and all its members, I would like to thank everyone who helped make the evening a success.

Special thanks go out to Bobbi Wright, Tina and Tenae Stewart for organizing yet another fun-filled Christmas in Middletown celebration. Good job, ladies!

Happy holidays and we’ll see you all next year on Dec. 14, 2013.

Gary Graves is president of the Middletown Area Merchants Association of Middletown, Calif.