Santa and Donner appear at Briarwood Mall's Tree Lighting Ceremony

Posted on Sun, Nov 29, 2009 : 11:02 a.m.

Santa and Donner appear at Briarwood Mall's Tree Lighting Ceremony

By Denise J. Murray

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Santa Greets crowd and Donner at Briarwood Mall's 1st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Denise Murray - Contributor

It was a festive night for the community to come together to join in Briarwood Mall's 1st annual tree lighting ceremony. The 24' tree was donated by P&B Christmas Greens, which is stationed at Briarwood Mall this year. The White House's holiday tree only stood 18' by comparison.

Free Nestle Toll House Cookies were sampled on site, along with hot cocoa and donated Starbucks Coffee which were served by The Salvation Army's Cantina. The event was sponsored by Lexus of Ann Arbor, who made a donation to the Simon Youth Foundation.

24' Cut Tree supplied by P&B Christmas Greens, stationed in Briarwood's park, on the South side of Sears

Denise Murray, Contributor

Briarwood's holiday tree will be on display throughout the season.

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Crowds gather around to greet Donner at Briarwood Mall's Tree Lighting Ceremony

Denise Murray, Contributor

Plenty of photo opportunities for families to capture with Donner, Santa, a beautifully lit tree, Santa arriving in his red convertible, and a beautiful sleigh.

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The Salvation Army added festive music to the night at Briarwood Mall's Tree Lighting Ceremony

Denise Murray, Contributor

People were encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Salvation Army food pantry.

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Nestle baked fresh cookies for the Briarwood Tree Lighting Ceremony, enjoyed here with Rachel Patton, Kaitlyn Murray, Ashley Lewis and Alana Perkins

Denise Murray, Contributor

Nestle will be sampling their fresh baked cookies at Santa's Photos each Saturday from noon - 6 PM until Christmas.