The roaring '20s returned to life Thursday night as Jefferson City kicked off the Christmas season.
The annual Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting hearkened back to the 1920s with a "The Great Gatsby" inspired theme.
"I think it was just fabulous," Mayor Carrie Tergin said. "It was so festive and a perfect night and just everything about it from the weather to the crowd and the singing and the food and cookies and fun and Santa and Mrs. Claus and the old '20s car and the theme. Everything was just perfect."
The event, organized by the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, brought in an estimated 800 people, Cultural Arts Specialist Leann Porrello said.
"I think it's one of our biggest ones we've had," she said. "We do what's called cluster counting, and we think around 800 people were here. We usually average, I would say, around 500."
Porrello said she chalks the increased attendance up to the good weather.
For 16 years, the Jefferson City tree lighting has kicked off the Christmas season.
The 23-foot Christmas tree sparkled with black, white and gold ornaments, white lights, golden ribbon and a bright blue star.
Visitors were met with hot chocolate and warm cookies.
"We came before and it was fun," Jefferson City resident Sara Burns said. "The kids loved it."
Attendees could also meet and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause in front of a 1931 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan, one of the classic images of the Roaring '20s.
Joshua Schubert, a member of the Mid Mo Old Car Club, said he was happy to bring the car by for the event.
He purchased it in St. Louis less than a year ago and rebuilt it in a couple months.
Porrello reached out to the club in search of something that would fit the theme.
"She wanted to know if we could bring an old car out because their theme was the '20s," he said. "I said, 'Well, I haven't run it since September so give me a few hours to get it going.' It wasn't really any hassle. I called them back and said 'Yeah, absolutely, I'll do it.' I didn't realize I was going to be the only one, but that's alright."
The tree will remain up at the Rotary Centennial Park on Bolivar Street throughout the Christmas season.