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KINGSTON, N.Y. -- The Kingston tree is lit. Hundreds in the city gathered to watch the tradition Friday at Academy Green Park.

The Kingston Professional Firefighters Association presented the annual tree lighting ceremony for the Stockade District. They kicked off the holiday season with other city staples, including the Salvation Army. Santa greeted children and their families and bikes were given out to some kids in need.

Organizers say they feel blessed to have the community's help as they put on the show.

"And a lot of local businesses have donated their time and money, from candy canes, to work on the bikes, to the Salvation Army with hot chocolates, local people donated cookies, people come out in droves for this event and everyone's always been so generous to us," Kongston firefighter Tina Meschi said.

"I'm very appreciated and literally honored to represent this city, because so many folks, they give so much and don't want anything in return. Businesses, people, citizens, so seriously, thank you very much for helping everyone out," Kingston Mayor Shayne Gallo said.

The ceremony also featured performances from The Catskill Ballet and Kingston High School band.