ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The tree is lit, and now the Liberty Pole is too.

Saturday night, Rochestarians celebrated another exciting holiday tradition. Many say they wouldn't miss it for the world.

"It's basically a tradition we do with family and friends to watch the fireworks and the lighting of the Liberty Pole," said Kevin Arnett, Rochester.

"It's nice to see good things happening down here instead of bad things all the time," said Tammy Berl, Greece.

"I like to watch the fireworks and it makes me really glad," said Hailey Case, Rochester.

The evening started with performances by Vocal Point, the YellowJackets and Prime Time Bass. Then came the main event. Mayor Lovely Warren flipped the switch, giving life to the 10,000 lights on the Liberty Pole.

"This is a longstanding tradition on lighting the liberty pole. We're excited to have this big family event in our downtown, excited for the children, thankful for the season and thankful for where we are as a community and where we're going as a city," said Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren.

After the lighting, a parade led by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, marched from the liberty pole to the ice rink at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park.

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