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CAROL LOLLIS

An estimated 300 people turned out for the luminaria display put on Saturday by the Florence Civic and Business Association.

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CAROL LOLLIS

Lucy McGuinness-Holland, 2, of Florence, was among the revelers at Saturday’s luminarium in Florence.

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CAROL LOLLIS

A volunteer lights candles Saturday in preparation for the 10th annual luminarium in Florence.

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CAROL LOLLIS

Cindy Reed, with the Paul Collins Quintet, performs at the Florence Civic Center on Saturday night.

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CAROL LOLLIS

Johnathan Fournier, 8, of Florence, shows his mother, Autumn Fournier, which treat he wants at the festivities inside the Florence Civic Center on Saturday.

FLORENCE - Lori Morgan of Florence and friend Karen Pardee of Southampton have built the Florence luminarium event into their holiday traditions.

"We lead such busy lives these days, it is nice to just relax with friends and celebrate the season," Pardee said Saturday night, as she joined a robust multigenerational crowd listening to the Paul Collins Quartet and singer Cindy Reed perform holiday favorites at the Florence Civic Center.

Outside on the lawn, a bonfire crackled and people took advantage of the horse-drawn carriage rides around the Florence Village to better enjoy the lights.

"It is also good for kids to see the more traditional side, that it's not all about getting presents," Pardee said. "It helps them to realize the value of neighbors, friends, family and sharing good times with their community."

Roughly 300 people turned out for the 10th annual Florence luminarium organized by the Florence Civic and Business Association. Twinkling white lights graced the trees while warm glowing luminaries lined the streets around Florence center and more than 500 candle luminaries flickered along Trinity Row Park, the Stanley Kolodzinski Memorial Park near the Florence Civic Center, and the Sojourner Truth Memorial.

Inside the Civic Center, the smell of hot popcorn and fresh baked goods wafted through the room as the quintet performed holiday classics, while the hardy gathered around the bonfire.

"I try to come every year and we usually run into friends and neighbors. This is the time when it seems like everybody is getting ready to bunker down for winter. So this is a nice last get-together before they do," said Shannon Moore of Florence, as she and her dog Sparky warmed themselves near the fire.

For many, the festivities were not complete without an old-fashioned wagon ride through town.

The big red wagon pulled by two large Percheron draft horses, named Monty and Rose, was a hit with children and adults.

"We are here every year. Tonight is nice because it is not unbelievably cold," said Kathy Roberts, wagon driver and owner of the Amherst-based Muddy Brook farm.

Clara Moyet of Springfield, her husband, Moses Gonzales, and their 5-year-old daughter, Halina, waited patiently for their horse-drawn tour down the illuminated streets.

Halina danced with joy as she heard the clippity-clop of the horses hooves and watched the wagon pull into the Civic Center parking lot.

"I am very excited and I can't wait to get on and go!" she said.

Jen Abrams, of Florence, said she thought the event was a nice way for the community to celebrate the season.

"It's a fantastic night. Seeing the luminaries, listening to the music, coming out here and seeing these beautiful horses. It is very enjoyable and the kids love it," Abrams said.