ICS Dance Troupe visits Santa Claus at the 4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. (Submitted photo/Travis Anderson)

The 4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony brought out a large crowd Thursday, December 7, at the Immokalee Zocalo.

Little Ms. Snowflake Sappahire Lotus Vegas with her family. Not pictured, Little Mr. Snowflake Nathaniel Martinez. (Submitted photo/Travis Anderson)

The Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in partnership with Collier County Parks & Recreation, Immokalee Chamber of Commerce, and Seminole Casino Immokalee worked hard to make this years’ tree lighting ceremony the best one yet.

Before the festivities started, early arrivals were welcomed by Santa Claus himself.

ICS Dance Troupe performing on stage during the opening ceremony at the 4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. (Submitted photo/Travis Anderson)

The event was opened with a few words by CRA Operations Manager Christie Betancourt, Immokalee MSTU Advisory Committee Chair Cherryle Thomas, Immokalee CRA Advisory Board Chair Dr. Frank Nappo, and County Commissioner Bill McDaniel.

Pastor Josh Leadingfox with the Immokalee First Seminole Baptist Church offered the opening prayer and sang Amazing Grace along with his two daughters in their native language.

Danny Gonzalez, President of the Immokalee Chamber of Commerce said that it was great seeing so many people turn out this year and great knowing that the event draws more and more people each year.

Following the opening ceremony, Cherryle Thomas announced the winners of the Little Mr. and Little Ms. Snowflake competition. Sappahire Lotus Vegas was crowned as queen and Nathaniel Martinez was crowned as king.

Afterwards, the crowd was wowed by two wonderful performances. The ICS Dance Groupe danced for the crowd before Mintzy Berry-Lee sang.

Everyone then gathered around as Cherryle Thomas counted down the seconds before the Christmas Tree was lit.

Pastor Josh Leadingfox and his daughters sing Amazing Grace in their native language at the 4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. (Submitted photo/Travis Anderson)