Lakewood Mayor, Adam Paul, joined Camp Christmas Creator, Lonnie Hanzon and Santa Claus to kick off the start of the holiday extravaganza in the first year at its new home, Heritage Belmar Park.

“We’re celebrating community, and doing it in a unique, one-of-a-kind way that only Lonnie could put together,” Paul said. “We’ve been yearning for a long time — looking for a unique way to come together and I just think it’s an incredible opportunity for our city. I’m honored and thrilled we were able to make this happen here and I encourage people to come out and enjoy it.”

Standing in front of the spectacular flaming owl display, lit earlier by Paul, Hanzon said it felt wonderful to be open and to be ready to celebrate the season.

Camp Christmas, which brought together Hanzon, the City of Lakewood and the DCPA (Denver Center for Performing Arts) runs through Jan. 2. Tickets can be purchased at www.denvercenter.org.