A longtime holiday tradition played out on the stage at Dent Elementary School in Escalon just before the holiday break. And once again, it was a hit.

Second grade classes joined forces to perform The Nutcracker, with three separate shows offered. The first performance was on Friday, Dec. 15 at 9 a.m., with the second staged on Monday, Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. Those were for the other elementary grades at Dent while the finale was a show specifically for families of the Dent students, performed in front of a packed house on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 9 a.m.

The Nutcracker trio of shows helped wrap up the calendar year for the students.

School personnel said the performance has been staged for the past 32 years. It first began in a classroom as a small production but has evolved through the years into more of a full-scale drama performance with costumes, dances, prop changes and speaking parts.

Over the years, teachers added, the costumes have been replaced as needed using grade level donations. There is also significant time dedicated to rehearsing for the big production.

It is a holiday tradition that signals the start of the Christmas and New Year break for students and their families.

Second grade classes participating included those of Mrs. Taylor, Ms. Campbell, Mrs. Shultz, Mrs. Pettitt, Mrs. Lueck and Mrs. Bartelink.

Teachers involved said: “The students did an amazing job and helped kick off the Christmas season for all who were lucky enough to see it.”