MARS — The crisp night air provided the perfect setting to kick off the Christmas season in the borough.

Hundreds of rosy-cheeked revelers Saturday evening made their way downtown to enjoy the annual Mars Christmas Parade and Light-Up Night. Bundled-up children and their smiling parents enjoyed free hot dogs, hot chocolate, soft drinks, cupcakes and cookies as they chatted with volunteers from Adams Area Fire District, who organized the event.

Fire district President Jeff Liberatore appreciated the turnout for the 6 p.m. parade and the ensuing lighting of the Christmas tree in the town square's park.

"The weather helped out," said Liberatore, whose disc jockey equipment played holiday music. "It's all about the kids, not commercialism."

Casey Parrish, a Penn State University student and a Mars High School graduate, waited with her parents on a prime parade seat: one of the town's park benches.

"It's nice for everyone to come together and have fun," said Parrish, who waited for her brother's performance with the Mars High School marching band. "It's a nice family activity."

Cindy Schaeffer of Mars said the parade and light-up night has served as her family's official kickoff to the Christmas season for five years.

"We start to put up the lights and everything," Schaeffer said.

Darlene Nulton of Zelienople has attended the event for three years. She said the small-town venue is safer and more intimate than the Pittsburgh parade.

"It's more personal and family oriented," Nulton said. "Little towns should be supported and recognized."

Dave Dezzutti of Middlesex Township waited for the parade with his son, Trevor, and his friend, Nick Hertz. The trio was anxious to see Trevor's sister, who performed in the marching band.

"I love small-town gatherings like this," Dezzutti said. "You don't have the problems you have in the big city, and we like the community (of Mars.)"

Trevor said he likes seeing friends and schoolmates from Mars Elementary School when he comes to the parade. He also looks forward to one sweet aspect of the parade, which is flung from floats and fire trucks.

"I like the candy, " he said.

Mars Historical Society President John Watson said his family has observed the Christmas parade each year for a decade. Watson said the fire district deserves kudos for organizing the parade and providing the snacks.

"They do a great job," he said.

The parade started with an Adams Area Fire District fire police car, and emergency vehicles from the fire district, along with Callery Volunteer Fire Company and Quality EMS. Volunteers in the vehicles, who threw candy and toys, seemed as excited as the youngsters who were scooping them up.

But the flatbed truck from Classic Automotive got the biggest ovation of any float in the parade. The Jolly Old Elf himself protruded from an oversized chimney and waved to screaming children.

Santa, who many say bears a striking resemblance to Adams fire policeman Eugene Bartlett, made his way to the town park after the parade for the ceremonial countdown that lit the huge evergreen in the park.

Santa then settled into a park bench and accepted toy requests from his excited followers, who squirmed with excitement as they waited to sit on his lap.

Tarah Feeney of Callery glowed with excitement after Santa passed by on the float. Adults and children alike in the large Feeney contingent agreed with Tarah's assessment of the Mars Parade and Light-Up Night.

"I like Santa and the candy," she said.