The annual De Kerstdagen Tour of Stores officially started the holiday season in Pella last night.

Mayor Jim Mueller read a proclamation prior to the lighting of the tree on the Tulip Toren.

Students from Pella and Pella Christian schools also performed Christmas favorites, both in English, as well as in Spanish by those in the Pella Christian Grade School Spanish Immersion program.

Marion County Bank sold out of their allotment of $100,000 of discounted Pella Bucks in just over an hour’s time as lines wrapped around their location downtown. Many stores and businesses also greeted holiday shoppers with specials.

The KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio was broadcasting live for the event and collecting donations for the KNIA/KRLS Marion County Food Drive.