Old-fashioned Tree Lighting
Children clapping and making gestures as they put their hearts into the Christmas songs they sang at the foot of the tree last Sunday evening.
By Greg Wells
CCN—Editor
With the rain having passed and a chill in the air, folks gathered on Hill Street last Sunday evening for the annual Christmas tree lighting.
Nathan Britt provided his own accompaniment as he sang Christmas favorites in the lead-up to the tree-lighting ceremony. Burkesville Mayor Laurel Irby gave the countdown to the illumination.
Following the photonic flourish, cherubs gathered before the tree, singing songs of Christmas to the delight of parents, grandparents, assorted other family members and neighbors.
Jolly old Saint Nicholas was captured by the bell-ringers at the Salvation Army’s station last Sunday evening for a photograph to remember the event by.
Jamie Lee Collins, Chamber of Commerce board member and long-time organizer of the Burkesville Tree Lighting Ceremony, expressed her deep appreciation for all the work of all the volunteers who decorated the tree and the whole courtyard for the annual event.
With the tree growing taller every year, Collins secured the assistance of A&C Communication’s bucket truck to reach the highest branches.
“The event exceeded all expectations, and I’m so grateful to everyone who came out to make it so special. The music, vendors with treats and especially the visit from Santa Claus put huge smiles on the faces of children and adults alike. It was a wonderful way to start the holiday season in Burkesville,” Collins said.
Centerpoint Church was among those providing snacks and treats to everyone who turned out for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The evening began with a short address by county judge executive, Luke King, who compared the hardiness of the coniferous symbol of the season to the spirit of the community.
Local community churches provided snacks and goodies, and Santa Claus himself was on hand for snapshots with the kids, young and old.
