BAYPORT - New York City has Central Park; Bayport has the Village Green.

Bayportians flocked to the square Thursday night in celebration of the annual lighting of the trees at the city's Village Green. The event came complete with a four-foot bonfire, hot chocolate from Not Justa Caf/, holiday carols, and a visit from Santa Claus, who showed up with his friends from the Bayport Fire Department. Shortly before the lighting, local children were treated to a story at the Bayport Public Library, told by Peggy Doeksen.

"It's almost like old Mayberry - that's what my wife calls it," said Roger Sellman, a Bayport resident who brought his grandson Jack, 5, to the festivities this year. Jack, a Lakeville resident, did the honors of flipping the electrical switch of the Village Green's lights this year.

As Sellman stood a few feet back from the crowd, carolers and the music of an acoustic guitar filled the air, with adults and children singing along.

"It's like a Norman Rockwell painting. It really brings back the old Christmas spirit," said the elder Sellman.

City Public Works Director and Bayport resident Mel Horak called the lighting of the Village Green "timeless."

"It's nice to see the locals come out," Horak said.

When Santa came to town, the kids surrounded him and peppered him with their top Christmas list items. As Santa held court, Madeline Vogel, 9, was one of the first to sit on his lap.

She asked for a stuffed animal, specifically a cat. Mother Carol Baierl said the family had to recently put down their family kitty Rufus. Baierl said her husband Paul Vogel, and children Madeline, Sophie, 7, and Max, 5, never miss the lighting of the Village Green.

"We're big into tradition," Baierl said. "I don't think our kids would allow us to not be here."

Many families walked to the park, which Bayport Community Action League member Mary Goulette said reflects the true community nature of the event.

"That was really cool to see," she said.

Stillwater resident Craig Norman came to the park with his wife and their three kids, Shawn, 5, Casey, 4, and Elsa, 2.

"It seems like a lot of fun for the kids and it's a good Christmas experience," Norman said.

Mayor Jon Nowaczek, fresh from leading the countdown until the lights were turned on, said the Village Green provides a "nice gathering place" throughout the year, especially for Thursday night's winter celebration.

"Its fun to get folks together before the holiday season gets so crazy," the mayor said. "(The lighting) is all about community."

Bayport Community Action League member Mark Berthelsen was also pleased to see the scores of people who came out Thursday night. The 20 degree temperatures were much warmer than last year, he recalled, saying that the warmer temps likely accounted for more people.

"You can see a lot of people and everybody has a smile on their face," he said. "This only happens in a small town."