Christmas Garden lights up

Thousands of people showed up for the fourth annual Christmas Garden lighting ceremony held at the Children’s Garden in Smiley Park. Soup and hot beverages were served to those who came to see the gorgeous lights of the garden, while a lucky 25 children went home with Apple iPod Touch mp3 players. Jim Clay, founder and organizer of the event, said donors provided more than $11,000 to fund the event. (photos by Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)