POST FALLS - Josh Swanson showed his Christmas spirit by flexing his muscles to his parents at Winterfest on Friday night.

The 5-year-old Post Falls boy had good reason to.

He had just received a gingerbread tattoo.

"Isn't it just the best ever, dad?" Swanson asked his father, Bruce, excitedly.

The community celebration at City Hall attended by roughly 400 featured make-and-take crafts for the kids, music from Post Falls High and Ponderosa Elementary and others, a tree lighting, refreshments and a visit from Santa.

Sierra Webster, 7, Post Falls, said her favorite part was decorating a Christmas tree to take home.

"I think it will look nice on our table," she said. "We can put it up every year."

For some attendees, including couple Quint and Donna Webb, the festival sponsored by the city's Parks and Recreation Department was about starting a new holiday tradition with fellow residents.

"We're new to the community and just wanted to be a part of it," Donna said. "We love it here. We think the people are very nice."

Quint, who is retired from the Navy, also had special thoughts for his father, Alton Webb, as Friday was Pearl Harbor Day.

Alton was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Maryland at Pearl Harbor and rescued some from the U.S.S. Oklahoma.

"It's a special day," Quint said, adding that his father was burned during the attack.

Quint, who was enjoying hot cider and listening to the singing, said it only felt right to attend Winterfest and celebrate the season.

"This is so nice," he said, adding that not all cities have such intimate Christmas events. "I feel like I'm home."

City Council President Ron Jacobson announced the lighting of the Christmas tree in the City Hall plaza to kick off the festivities in place of Mayor Clay Larkin, who was ill and is expected to be recovering for about two weeks.

And, with the help of youth waving wands, the lights magically lit up the plaza.

"It's a great event to start the season for the community," Jacobson said.

Emily Silva, who sang with the Ponderosa choir, said she's glad she participated in the event.

"It's a chance to meet new people and see new things," she said. "This is the first time I've been to City Hall."

This was 2-year-old Parker Hanson's first Winterfest - and it marked the third time he has been around Santa this year.

"He's eaten some cookies and enough sugar to keep him up," Tara said of her son.

Tara's mother, Maureen, echoed why many people attend Winterfest.

"It's a way to gather as a community," she said. "It makes us feel good."