It may have been a dark and stormy night but Gainesville lit a candle instead of cursing the darkness.

Residents braved the bad weather to celebrate the Jewish "festival of lights" holiday ... By lighting the city's menorah.

Because of the rain Monday's Hanukkah event was fairly small compared to years past

But that didn't stop people from having fun.

A magician was on hand to keep the kids entertained.

And the adults danced to the music.

In the shadow of the unfinished ice rink; an ice carver made a menorah out of two blocks of ice.

When the time came to light the candles... City commissioner randy wells did the honor.       

Rabbi Berl Goldman said the sudden burst of rain earlier in the day didn't dampen their spirits.

Monday was the third night of Hanukkah so three candles were lit.

Traditional foods including jelly-filled doughnuts and latkas were also handed out as well.