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The West End Baptist Church children’s choir performs at the Clanton Christmas tree lighting. (JOYANNA LOVE/ ADVERTISER)

Santa and Mrs. Claus came to help light the tree and listen to children’s wish lists. (JOYANNA LOVE/ ADVERTISER)

Santa counts down to the lighting of the Christmas tree. (JOYANNA LOVE/ ADVERTISER)

By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Community members crowded around the stage at Corner Park as anticipation built for the annual Clanton Christmas tree lighting.

“On behalf of myself and the City Council … we want to welcome you to the annual Christmas tree lighting and with that we want all of you to have a good Christmas,” Mayor Billy Joe Driver said.

He encouraged those present to keep their holiday shopping local to support the community, starting immediately after the event as there were several downtown businesses staying open late.

“We want to thank all of our young boys and girls, young people, for the program that we have lined up tonight,” Driver said.

Performers included Just Twirl It, Roslyn Driver, Signature Studio of Dance, Bama Babes, Mary-Henning Dale and the West End Baptist Church children’s choir.

“I like how it brings the whole community together and it is really festive,” Jesslyn Maddox with Signature Studio of Dance said.

Maddox said she especially enjoyed getting to perform with all of the dancers from the studio “and my dance teacher (Stephanie Genard) how wonderfully she choreographed it.”

Emma Claire McGrady with Signature Studio of Dance said she also enjoyed the event because it bought the community together.

“It gives everybody a good time, and it is a good entertainment for them,” she said.

Emma Claire said she enjoyed dancing with her dance partner and being in a dance that included even the youngest dancers at the studio.

For Cheyenne Malone, it was her first time performing at the event.

“I like everybody coming together and having a good time for the holidays,” Cheyenne said.

Makenzie Jackson of Bama Babes, who has been in the group for three years, said she enjoyed getting to perform on the stage.

“It’s fun,” Makenzie said.

Roslyn Driver sang The Star-Spangled Banner to open the event. She asked all those in attendance to remember those who were fighting for this country and could not be with family this Christmas.

All of the countywide pageant queens also wished those in attendance a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season.

Santa and Mrs. Claus came to help light the tree and listen to children’s wish lists.

Sally Pitts served as emcee again this year.

“We loved it,” Pam Carmichael of West End Baptist Church said. “We enjoyed all of it.”

West End Baptist Church served hot chocolate throughout the event.

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