By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

The City of Jemison held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event at City Hall on Nov. 21, kicking off the Christmas holiday season for the small town.

Event coordinator and Jemison Librarian Tammie McGriff said she was pleased with the turnout and guests’ enjoyment of the festivities.

Festivities commenced at 6 p.m. with a special welcome by Glenn McGriff and a prayer led by Dr. Rex Kent, pastor of Jemison First Baptist Church.

An enthusiastic “5-4-3-2-1!” community countdown triggered the Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m., followed by an eruption of applause as the Christmas season was officially initiated in the city of Jemison.

The Jemison First Baptist Choir sang carols across from the city Christmas tree, many guests joining the music and grinning with their children in the glow of the newly lit tree.

“The evening went well,” Jemison Scout Leader Cheryl English said. “It was very enjoyable and we had a great crowd.”

Jemison Scouts Crew 747 and Pack 74 kept guests warm with bowls of chili the boys sold as a fundraiser. The Scouts also contributed much to setting up and hosting the event, additionally greeting guests at the door with complimentary peppermints.

“They did fabulous,” English said. “They were very, very kind and helpful. They did their job very well. I was proud of them.”

Other festivities at the event this year included royal introductions by Chilton pageant queens and performances by violinist Hannah Ellison and dancers from the Brittany Thomas Group.

A live Nativity by youth from Center Hill Baptist Church and Jemison High School FFA members featured live sheep and a donkey.

“We would like to give a special shout-out thanks to Clay Mims, the [agriscience] teacher at Jemison, for his support,” English said. “He… lined up the animals, so we appreciate him for all of his efforts.”

At the event, Mims said guests were tickled at the donkey’s name “Valentino,” since it had been born on Valentine’s Day.

Other special guests to City Hall were Santa and Mrs. Claus, who were stationed by a large indoor Christmas tree for festive photos with excited children seated on Santa’s lap.

“It was all-around a good night,” English said.