Hundreds of children and their parents braved frigid temperatures to see the lights lit up at the Christmas Garden (Children’s Garden) at Smiley Park on Friday evening. Santa Claus was also on hand, as was the Grinch, although he didn’t act too Grinch-like. The project is spearheaded annually local resident Jim Clay (above with microphone) and a number of local sponsors and volunteers. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)