The forecast at Wednesday’s annual Christmas at the Center called for snow?

The City of Manteca Civic Center was a chilly 46 degrees. The flakes of snow – located in two places, one for children and other for photos with the Disney princesses – were shot up from a pair of bubble machines.

One of the annual tree-lighting of large evergreen located in front of City Hall. Recreation & Community Services Manager Brandy Clark invited families to hang their personal ornaments on the city Christmas tree, signaling the beginning of the holiday season.

“This is the part they always enjoy,” she said.

Mayor Gary Singh gave the signal to light up the tree, with the large crowd joining in the countdown.

As for Christmas at the Center, Clark added that this is an event that “gets bigger and bigger” each year.

New for this year was the train the operated along the quad coupled with the mini model of Manteca and outdoor movie screen showing the Will Ferrell 2003 holiday classic “Elf.”

There were plenty of vendor booths and food trucks that included Casa Pinoy, Dale’s Gourmet Kettle Popcorn, JR Express Kitchen, Jacko’s Tacos, and Sweet & Savory Waffles.

This year’s event featured the return of Brethren Brewing Company’s beer garden, and selfie stations featuring the likes of The Grinch, The Nutcracker, and Yoda from Star Wars.

The biggest wait was for Photos with Santa inside the Manteca Senior Center.

Those in attendance also enjoyed cookies & hot cocoa while youngsters engaged in letter-writing to either Santa or Military personnel.

The Recreation Courtyard offered up Christmas Tree Lane, Winter Wonderland (inflatable displays including a large-scaled igloo), and a “snow fight” play area.

And let’s not forget the Candy Crawl, Clark noted.