By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Staff Writer

JEMISON – The leaves are changing and the temperature is cooling as the holiday season is quickly approaching, meaning cities are preparing for all of the festivities that come along with Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Jemison is no different as the city has set dates to host its annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and parade all within the next month.

“We look forward to this time of the year each year,” Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed said. “It really creates a lot of excitement for our residents.”

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, the city invites anyone and everyone to attend the tree lighting ceremony.

The festivities will kick off at the Jemison Municipal Complex with the annual community Thanksgiving communion service at 6 p.m., while the actual tree lighting will begin at 7 p.m.

The annual Christmas parade, which has taken place every year since 1972, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Dec. 3, starting at 11 a.m.

The parade normally travels through the streets of Jemison and features members of the city departments, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the high school’s band, floats and Santa Claus.

If you would like to register to have a float in the parade you have until Nov. 30, to register for a spot. You can call Tammie McGriff if you would like more details or you can pick up the forms in the lobby of city hall.

“We feel these events are important for the public to know about and we just want to spread the word about all of the wonderful events coming up during the holidays here in Jemison,” Reed said.

Another important date in the near future is Nov. 6. At 2 p.m. on that Sunday, there will be a swearing in ceremony for the entire council including the mayor.

“We will have activities for the public and would like them to attend,” Reed said. “This is a big moment in our city and we want to thank the public for trusting us.”

That big moment Reed is speaking of is the fact that never before in the city’s history has the entire council returned without an election being held.

It’s going to be a busy month for the city, but should create some fun events for the people of Jemison.