Seconds after the lights on the Catonsville Christmas tree sparkled to life, all eyes turned to look down Frederick Road, straining for a glimpse of the big man in the red and white suit aboard the fire truck.

Among the hundreds of spectators who scanned the street as they crowded along Frederick Road Nov. 29 for the 15th annual Catonsville Tree Lighting ceremony, one stared with particular intensity.

Moments earlier, Liam Fitzsimmons, 9, had acted nonchalant when quizzed about his special role in the annual event that marks the start of the holiday season in Catonsville.

This was, after all, his third year of escorting Santa from the fire truck to his house next to the Catonsville Fire Station at 756 Frederick Road, where he would spend the rest of the evening receiving young visitors and hearing their heartfelt requests for what they hoped to find under the Christmas tree Dec. 25.

"I'm familiar with it," said Fitzsimmons, who would be aided by fellow elves Peter Knepper, 9, and Ryan Regner, 10, in helping the night's guest of honor make his way through the large crowd.

Such familiarity was a consistent theme to the event.

"This is amazing. So many folks here today were here that very first time," said Greg Morgan, a member of the Santa House Committee.

Members of Ravens Roost 88 Paradise and Roost 97 Maiden Choice were among who those volunteered their efforts again at this year's event.

From the brand-new temporary stage parked in front of 757 Frederick Road, Heather Kniotek and her fiance, Mark DeSimone, had offered their version of some familiar Christmas songs, followed by a performance of the Children's Theater Group.

Then Morgan took the stage and spoke of calling on his neighbor, George Miller, for help that very first year. Miller was presented with a county citation from Councilman Sam Moxley, whose 1st District includes the Catonsville area, in recognition of Miller's 13 years of involvement with the event.

"This was just a great way to recognize another one of those quiet folks in Catonsville who make this place such a fantastic community," Moxley said.

Moments after Moxley spoke, the fireworks show began.

"This is great," said Lee Fitzsimmons, Liam's father.

Fitzsimmons said he is also responsible for the fireworks show July 4.

"This is much easier. It's a lot smaller. There's a lot less to do," he said of Saturday night's show, which lasted only a few minutes. "I almost get to participate (tonight)."

He stepped forward as Santa climbed down from his perch atop the fire truck, then stepped back as three small figures in red and green elf caps took charge.

The Christmas season had once again come to Catonsville.

The Santa House is open Fridays, 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., through Dec. 20.

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