AUBURN – “Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul…” rang through the air as the Edward Little Chorale performed at Auburn’s tree lighting celebration Monday night.

Event planners estimated 4,500 people attended, and they agreed it was the largest crowd in many years. The celebration began more than 30 years ago.

“It’s the most I’ve ever seen,” said Carrie Haynes, 46, of Rafnell Street in Auburn. “It’s an amazing turnout.” Haynes is a member of the Auburn Business Association, a sponsor of the event, and has helped at many events in past years.

Early arrivals participated in a scavenger hunt and enjoyed horse and wagon rides provided by Stillbrook Acres. Others waited in lines for hot chocolate, coffee, and doughnut holes, donated by Dunkin’ Donuts and Tim Horton’s.

“I came for the hay ride and Santa,” said Tania Reidmiller, 10, of Auburn. Reidmiller, who attended with her sister and neighbor, said they would normally be doing homework, watching TV, or playing video games.

“I like the horsies. They go clunk,” said Donna Edwards, 4, of Lewiston.

The warm night and an expanded parade drew out the larger crowd. Participants in the parade were more than twice the usual number, and about 10 lighted floats delighted spectators lining both sides of Court and Main streets. The final float carried Santa and Mrs. Claus. Lighted float themes included elves, a Nativity scene, a Christmas tree, Christmas presents, and a large city sand truck covered with lights.

“I saw a snowman and a hot (air) balloon,” said 2-year-old Mallory Haynes-White of Auburn.

Other highlights were 210 Auburn elementary school kids singing carols, and firetrucks complete with sirens and lights blaring.

As the parade ended, children lined up to see if Santa thought they were naughty or nice, and tell him their Christmas wishes.

The best part of the event is “you get to see Santa,” according to Dominique Greenleaf, 6, of 268 Main St. He is asking Santa for a Power Wheel four-wheeler. “It can’t even fit under my Christmas tree!”

Ashley Gagnon, 9, of 48 Academy St. said she hopes Santa will bring her a baby doll that drinks and wets. Dillon Dochnahl, 5, of 48 Academy St. wanted to be sure Santa knows he wants an alarm clock with a radio, preferably a Sponge Bob model.

“I enjoy celebrations and this is a celebration – a small town having a great time,” said Sarah Andersen, 77, of Granite Mill Estates in Auburn. She and her friend, Margaret Savignano, 80, of Edgewood condominiums, came prepared with lawn chairs to listen to the Edward Little High School chorale.

“I want to just enjoy the season,” said Savignano, noting the busyness of the season.

“Awesome, awesome, awesome,” said Tina Colby congratulating Auburn’s new community relations manager, Stacey Steuber, on her efforts to increase attendance and expand the parade.

“My goal was to focus on the parade and bring in something different that Auburn hadn’t seen at this event before,” said Steuber, as well as to bring out more people. Joining her efforts were the Auburn Business Association, Auburn Parks and Recreation, and the Holiday Decorating Committee. Each organization plays a key role in providing the evening to the community.

Each summer, the ABA holds a golf tournament to raise money for the Holiday Decorating Fund. The fund is kept specifically for decorations, tree lights, and banners, said Doug Beck, Auburn’s recreation superintendent. The city provides the horse rides, prizes for the scavenger hunt, and the physical and logistical support.