Photos by Chad Koenen

The annual New York Mills Christmas Tree Festival kicked off on Saturday morning with the family day festivities. With specially decorated trees lining the city hall ballroom (above), children had the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus, decorate Christmas cookies and complete a number of arts and crafts activities. Among the children who visited with Santa on Saturday morning was Brooke McCall and Hailey Kopveiler. The Christmas Tree Festival continues this week with a ballet showcase and Cultural Center fundraiser on Wednesday, sip and paint on Thursday and the Lions Christmas party on Saturday.