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Size does matter … well, when it comes to Christmas trees. Bigger means better as hundreds gathered last night in front of the Pantages Theater for the 64th lighting of the Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration in Tacoma. After the Fort Lewis Brass Quintet filled the Pantages' lobby with holiday tunes, Broadway Center Executive Director David Fischer, Mayor Bill Baarsma, Fort Lewis Garrison Commander Col. Thomas Brittain, and The News Tribune columnist C.R. Roberts said a few words before Santa flipped the light switch on the giant Douglas fir, courtesy of Fort Lewis.

Holiday cheer was elevated a few notches higher with the presence of City Councilwoman Marilyn Strickland, Tacoma's next mayor, and Save The Sonics Guy in the crowd.

LINK: More out of focus cheer in the Photo Hot Spot