The Brumwell's Flea Market lot was packed with Pasadena residents Thursday, in spite of the second-annual Pasadena Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony being postponned due to Wednesday's rain.

Families gathered beneath the 22-foot-high tree, waiting for the countdown that would light the more than 1,000 lights that adorned this year's tree.

Santa arrived prior to the tree lighting, his sleigh being pulled by a fire department pick-up truck. Children were offered free photos with Santa from Katrina Krauss Photography, and face painting from Katie Thompson of Welcome to Neverland.

As attendees sipped hot chocolate and perused a collection of antique fire trucks, event organizer Dave Rosage was busy planning to share an important event with Pasadena residents. Rosage proposed to his girlfriend, Jessica LeCronier, by presenting her with an ornament on stage, asking her to read aloud the inscription—"Will you marry me?"

Organizers led the crowd through a countdown, followed by the official lighting of this year's tree. Unwrapped gifts were left beneath the tree by attendees, to be distributed to needy families throughout Pasadena.