The smell of burning wood in a fireplace and the path to Ruddell Pavilion lined with candelarias greeted approximately 50 guests to the second annual Wawasee Area Conservancy Christmas lighting social Friday evening, Dec. 2.

The event took place at the WACF Levinson-LaBrosse Lakes & Wetlands Education Center, one mile south of Syracuse on SR 13.

The pavilion was outlined with multi-colored Christmas lights, with music for the season being played in the pavilion. Hot cider, hot chocolate, chili – traditional, vegetarian and chicken with bacon, chicken and noodles, ham and beans, corn bread, brownies and more were available for the guests to enjoy while socializing.

A brief lighting of a live Christmas tree, donated by Donn and Linda Baird, started the evening, along with recognition of Priscilla Ruddell Elliott and her husband Hoagland, who donated funds for the roll curtains installed on the pavilion. Bill Coon was also recognized for his donation of panels around the fireplace to keep out the cold.

The evening allowed many friends and supporters of the WACF to gather and enjoy the holiday season together.