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As the sounds of the Ole' 74 Jazz band rang across the Town of Rutherfordton Saturday evening, more than 100 people stood around the courthouse lawn waiting for the lighting of the Christmas cedar tree. The ceremony was held after the annual Christmas parade.
Mayor Jimmy Dancy reminded the crowd gathered for the traditional lighting ceremony, the tree is the largest living Christmas tree in North Carolina.
From the gigantic Christmas tree comes a special glow of bright lights during the holiday season. During other times of the year, the tree is a place where children are often seen playing on the branches.
Dancy was joined in welcoming the crowd to the annual lighting ceremony by Rutherfordton Town Council members Henry Giles, Doris Crute and Dr. Doug Sheets.
After thanking the crowd for attending, Crute reminded the crowd "Jesus is the Reason for Christmas."
After introductions, Rutherfordton Police Chief Clint Ingle announced Lt. Rick Gilbert was named Officer of the Year for the Town of Rutherfordton. Gilbert, standing on the courthouse steps with his wife, Frances, thanked the town for the honor, but said the Officer of the Year belongs to the entire department, not just one person.
Dancy led the countdown as the bright yellow lights came on to the sounds of the Ole '74 Jazz band.
The band was joined in some songs by vocalist Wendy Jones. Especially for the children she sang, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."
As the crowd was mingling, the band continued playing beautiful music as people strolled around town and simply seemed to enjoy the atmosphere.
Santa Claus who rode in the annual parade just an hour earlier also strolled through the courthouse lawn greeting the children of all ages.
