Hundreds gathered in downtown Turlock on Friday to start the holiday season off with the annual Festival of Lights celebration. Vendors offered a variety of wares for holiday shopping, while community dance troupes entertained and nonprofits handed out free hot chocolate.

The highlight of the evening, however, was the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree located in Central Park. After Mayor John Lazar led a countdown to the lighting, flight of doves around the park added to the spectacle of the event.