Hundreds cheered as Gainesville's Big Chicken was lit up on top of Main Street Market on the downtown square to cap off the annual Jingle Mingle.
An orchestra played inside the market all night, sending out Christmas tunes that could be heard at all ends of the square. Ten minutes prior to the lighting of the chicken, a rather elaborate light show accompanied by some adrenaline-pumping music elevated everyone's excitement as the big moment approached.
At 7 p.m. on the nose, the Big Chicken was lit and it was quite a sight.
The Jingle Mingle was about more than just the Big Chicken, however, as the event was from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. During that time, children and families alike were treated to free carriage and train rides and, of course, a chance to meet Santa Claus.
A table was set up for children to write out their letters to Santa, and after the traditional family keepsake photo with Santa was taken, the children placed the letters into a mailbox addressed to the North Pole.
