MerryCopa, which has grown into the largest event of the holiday season in the city, got under way Friday night with the annual tree lighting on the Copper Sky Multigenerational Center Lawn.

Mayor Nancy Smith, City Council members, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand for the countdown to the lighting.

Festivities continue noon to 5 p.m. today at Copper Sky as the celebration is expanded to two days this year. Visitors will find shopping from local vendors, snacking from food trucks as well as a plethora of family-friendly activities.

Limited onsite complimentary parking is available. Free shuttle service will run from Maricopa Elementary School, Maricopa Wells Middle School and Maricopa High School.

Below: MerryCopa tree lighting through the lens of InMaricopa’s Bryan Mordt.