‘Tis the season!
Published 5:08 pm Friday, December 6, 2024
- Santa and Mrs. Claus listen closely as a local child reveals their Christmas “wish list” during Monday night’s tree lighting ceremony in downtown Ahoskie. Staff Photo by Cal Bryant
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
AHOSKIE – The official start of the 2024 holiday season in Ahoskie arrived on Monday.
A child clutches a Christmas tree ornament courtesy of The Church at the Crossroads, one of the community partners participating in Ahoskie’s tree lighting event. Staff Photo by Cal Bryant
Town officials conducted their annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Monday evening at Memorial Square on Main (formerly known as No Man’s Land Park).
“What a wonderful night it is for our Christmas tree lighting ceremony,” said Ahoskie Mayor Weyling White.
“This is a cherished tradition that brings us together to celebrate the joy, hope, and unity of the holiday season,” White continued. “This Christmas tree is more than just lights. This tree represents hope, a symbol of warmth, togetherness, and generosity that makes our community prosper.
“As we light this tree tonight, let it serve as a reminder of the spirit of giving and supporting one another. On behalf of the Town of Ahoskie, I wish each of you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy holiday season,” the Mayor added.
Members of the Soul Saving Station Choir performed several Christmas carols as part of Ahoskie’s tree lighting ceremony. Staff Photo by Cal Bryant
Joining Town of Ahoskie officials at the public event were members of Church at the Crossroads. They had a table set up for children to use for making Christmas decorations.
“The children are encouraged to take those ornaments home and hang them on their Christmas tree,” White said.
Also on hand were members of the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Delta Gems who provided “inner warmth” for the crowd by handing out free cups of hot chocolate along with sweet treats.
Members of local Girl Scout Troop 2702 passed out gifts to children after they had chatted with Santa Claus.
“We also need to give a big round of applause to our town staff for making this event a wonderful success,” added Mayor White.
Members of local Girl Scout Troop 2702 passed out gifts to children after they had chatted with Santa Claus. Staff Photo by Cal Bryant
Donnie Graham, Pastor of the Soul Saving Station, offered a prayer.
The songs of the season filled the crisp night air, as performed by members of the Soul Saving Station Choir.
The caroling was followed by the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus via one of the town’s fire trucks. They were greeted with enthusiasm by children….all crowding in for a chance to sit with the Jolly Old Elf and share their Christmas wish lists.
About Cal Bryant
Cal Bryant, a 40-year veteran of the newspaper industry, serves as the Editor at Roanoke-Chowan Publications, publishers of the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald, Gates County Index, and Front Porch Living magazine.
More by Cal
