As always, the “ooohs” and “aaahs” followed immediately after the myriad lights on the Lights of Love tree were illuminated Tuesday night.

The tree-lighting ceremony, held on the front lawn of Vidant Beaufort Hospital, signals the start of another Christmas season and a new Lights of Love campaign.

The lights on the tree symbolize those who have been honored or memorialized over the years.

Harvey Case, president of Vidant Beaufort Hospital, opened the ceremony by noting the role schools have with the Lights of Love program.

A minimum, tax-deductible donation of $5 allows someone to honor or remember a special person in his or her life with a light that shines with the many other lights on the Lights of Love tree.

“This is a great partnership between the hospital and the schools because, I tell you, we couldn’t do it without them. I’d like to thank the school system, superintendent — Dr. (Don) Phipps — the teachers, principals and others who work for the schools.”

Case talked about the Lights of Love history and mission.

“Tonight represents the 27^th year of holding the Lights of Love event. It started in 1986. It’s a great way for people to recognize loved ones and people they want to remember in a way for this special time of year,” Case said. “Lights of Love just isn’t something that happens one day a year. It happens all year long. We appreciate folks who give back to the hospital so we can do special things for the folks in the community. The donations for Lights of Love are used to promote health-care education, improve community wellness, support and enhance patient care and provide amenities that make our hospital more comfortable for patients and their families.”

The John Small School Chorus, under the direction of Amanda Avery, provided musical entertainment. The choir sang four songs — “Sleigh Ride,” “I’m Grateful,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

The event also included the passing of a torch, sort of. Tate and John Singleton sang with the chorus Tuesday night. Their father, Greg Singleton, sang at the Lights of Love ceremony in 1988, when he was a high-school senior.

Olivia Briley, a fourth-grade student at Bath Elementary School, took home the best-in-show award for the children’s art contest that’s part of the Lights of Love event. Her entry will be featured on the hospital’s annual Christmas card.

All of the artwork will be displayed in the hospital’s first-floor hallway through the end of the year. Beaufort County students from kindergarten through the fifth grade are invited to take part in the contest. First-, second- and third-place prizes are awarded in each grade.

With Santa Claus making an appearance at the event, children made sure they told him their Christmas wishes and had photographs of them with him taken at no charge.

For more information about Lights of Love or to make a donation, call 252-975-4100.