Even in the thirty degree weather, the spirit of Christmas was still alive and well in downtown Owatonna’s annual Lighting of the Lights festival. The festival starts with a parade of all the local businesses who get together and make floats for a beautiful parade, which is then finished off with Mr. and Mrs. Claus riding their sleigh. Everyone then meets in Central Park to hear the Carolers sing.  Three year Caroler Jenna McMains said, “The lighting of the Lights is very fun and it kicks off the Christmas season for the community as well as the Carolers.” The festival is then finished with a bonfire in Central Park and the Christmas lights strung on the lights are turned on, and are left on until Christmas.