Cheerful Berea crowd gathers at Jack Frost Festival of Lights (photos)

This young trio sang "Mary, Did You Know?" from atop one of the many floats in the Jack Frost Festival of Lights parade. (Beth Mlady/special to cleveland.com)
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BEREA, Ohio – A chilly breeze definitely nipped at noses Saturday night (Dec. 3), as Berea’s Jack Frost Festival of Lights officially opened the city’s holiday season.

The annual parade included many community and business groups, brightly decorated vehicles, lots of bundled but happy children, and the bopping musical rhythms of the Baldwin Wallace University “Marching Yellow Jackets” Band.

The outdoor skating rink at the festival was popular and fun. (Beth Mlady/special to cleveland.com)

A trio of young girls sang “Mary, Did You Know?” from atop one of several floats. Stilt walkers adorned with festive lights provided oohs and ahhs while gifting goodies to wide-eyed kids along the way.

Santa rode atop a horse drawn carriage while making his way to Coe Lake. (Beth Mlady/special to cleveland.com)

Immediately following the parade, an animated light show delighted the crowd using downtown buildings for its backdrop. Fireworks soared above the rooftops, and the switch was flipped for the new community Christmas tree, donated by the Berea City Club, to become a sparkling symbol of the season.

Everybody loved Cindy Lou Who, the Grinch and Elf, especially the large crowds that filled Berea's downtown Triangle to watch the parade. (Beth Mlady/special to cleveland.com)

Inflatables, an outdoor skating rink, costumed characters, ice sculpturing, free cookies and hot chocolate, kids’ crafts, food vendors and more were spread throughout the Coe Lake grounds. Visits with Santa took place inside the gazebo, while illuminated trees from across the lake cast beautiful reflections in the water.

These Berea-Midpark High School students gathered for a quick pic at Coe Lake before making their way through the festival grounds. (Beth Mlady/special to cleveland.com)
The Berea Board of Education bundled up to walk the chilly festival parade route. (Beth Mlady/special to cleveland.com)
Trees across Coe Lake cast beautiful reflections in the water during the Jack Frost Festival of Lights. (Beth Mlady/special to cleveland.com)

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