Hundreds of Natchez residents crowded the intersection of Main and Commerce streets Friday evening awaiting the lighting of the city’s giant Christmas tree.

But 4-year-old Talandria Minor, whose grandmother brought her to the event, was waiting for Santa’s arrival.

&uot;I’m going to ask him for a Barbie doll car and a Barbie doll jeep,&uot; she said.

The event included Christmas carols led by the Holy Family and Jefferson Street United Methodist church choirs.

Despite the questionable weather, &uot;this year’s crowd is larger than last year’s,&uot; said Tammi Mullins, director of the Natchez Downtown Development Association.

Alan Perkins, general manager of First Natchez Radio, assisted Mullins in leading the festivities.

&uot;We helped to bring in the Kiwanis Club and other organizations,&uot; Perkins said of his company’s involvement. &uot;Entergy helps with the lights. It’s a group effort.&uot;

Ashley Mars, a resident of the Natchez Children’s Home, did the honors by turning on the lights of the tree.

And t he festivities drew to a close as Santa Claus arrived in a horse drawn carriage.

The children lined up on the front steps of the old B&K Bank to sit in his lap and tell him their Christmas wishes.