Children visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Biggs Christmas celebration on Dec. 7.

BIGGS, CA (MPG) - Project Biggs brought holiday cheer to the heart of downtown Sunday with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Street Market.

Families filled the historic corridor to shop for crafts and gifts, enjoy good food, listen to live music and join in a countdown that lit the town tree.

Photographer and business owner Marci Shadd, the driving force behind Project Biggs, led the effort. Shadd and her volunteers coordinated vendors, decorations, and entertainment, turning the event into a festive showcase that blended tradition with new highlights.

The market offered plenty of spirited flavors and fun. Manuel Acevedo, of Live Oak, made no apologies for skipping straight to the food.

Ugly Sweater contestants Hannah, Dominic, and Alexia show off creative sweaters as host Kendall Milburn leads voting by applause.

“I started early with a corn dog, moved on to nachos, and finished with a stuffed grilled cheese sandwich and churros,” Acevedo said, celebrating his indulgence.

This year’s community celebration also featured notable firsts. Kari Wheeler, a hometown Biggs resident who recently opened Wheeler Ranch Realty in a newly remodeled building on B Street, joined the festivities from her new location by welcoming visitors with free hot cocoa.

“It’s great to be back home again,” Wheeler said, adding that she was proud to share in the community tradition for the first time.

The market featured both new and returning vendors. LaTutu Queen Boutique participated for the first time and said the event was great, adding she looks forward to returning. Longtime vendors also expressed appreciation for the community support and festive atmosphere that keeps them coming back year after year.

Biggs FFA students sell floral arrangements at Sunday’s community Christmas celebration on Dec. 7. From left are Cash Acosta, Spencer Christy, Bryn Wilkerson and Ag Teacher Lilly Baker.

In addition to craft and gift vendors, the market featured specialty booths such as Biggs FFA, which offered floral arrangements designed by agriculture students. Third-year Ag Teacher Lilly Baker said about 50 students are involved in the program, selling arrangements throughout the school year to raise money for FFA activities. The holiday market gave them a chance to showcase their skills while supporting the program’s fundraising efforts, Baker said.

A traditional highlight of Sunday’s event was the Ugly Sweater Contest, hosted by Kendall Milburn, which turned out to be more cute than homely. Three children took center stage: Dominic, 8, with a fireplace-mantle sweater; his little sister Alexia, 5, with a wreath-themed design; and Hannah, 9, with a sweater that lit up.

Judging was done by rounds of applause and cheering, and the crowd made sure each contestant felt celebrated. In the end, Alexia Stanley toppled her brother Dominic’s two-year reign, drawing his applause as she claimed first place, with Hannah earning second. All three were praised for their creativity and courage, and organizers encouraged more entries next year.

Kids play in man-made snow in front of the historic Colonia Building in Biggs during the annual holiday market and tree lighting on Dec. 7.

Project Biggs also celebrated an inaugural house decorating contest, which drew about 20 entries across town and added a festive new tradition to the celebration. The Inflatables Award was given to 394 B Street for the best use of inflatable decorations, where a yard sign will be placed for recognition. The Griswold Award went to 3063 Six Street for the most and best-arranged holiday lights, covering an entire corner block. The People’s Choice went to 2959 11th Street, home of Danielle and David Diaz, based on community votes.

Danielle Diaz, Shadd’s niece and a Project Biggs volunteer, laughed about her win.

The Oroville Community Concert Band performs during the Biggs holiday event on Dec. 7.

“I think it was a popularity contest, all our friends have been voting,” Diaz said, adding that while her husband handled most of the decorating, they are both excited to keep building on their display each year.

Shadd said decorated homes will remain lit through the holidays and encourages residents and visitors to drive by and enjoy the displays. Pastor Neal Barnes of Biggs Baptist Church offered a blessing before the crowd counted down from 10 to cheer as Santa Claus lit the tree, which cast a warm glow across the town square and signaled the start of the holiday season.

Organizers said the combination of the tree lighting, contests and community involvement made this year’s event one of the most festive yet. Plans are already underway to expand volunteer efforts and grow the event and decorating contest in future years.

Miss Butte County First Runner-up Alina Jackson, right, engages youth in games at the Biggs Community Christmas event on Dec. 7.