CLAY, N.Y. – It was a unique celebration of the season in the town of Clay. The tree lighting ceremony Monday night capped off a diverse evening of entertainment, and that's the goal for organizers. They say the puppeteer, the costumed actors and the Christmas tree are meant to celebrate all different beliefs and religions.

"I think it's a big event for everyone, because we're losing Christmas. We're afraid to say Merry Christmas. We're afraid to just express a happy feeling at the holiday season. It all becomes so pulled back and worry about offending someone. So we thought why not celebrate everyone's belief and offend no one," said Chrissy Clancy, Senior Coordinator.

Organizers added in the diverse elements about four years ago, and say the event has been growing ever since.