By Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Photos by Edwards and Bob Ealum
Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Prattville on the night of December 5 to officially light up the city with Christmas spirit.
The tree lighting ceremony, an annual event that Prattville hosts, gives people in the community a chance to come out and listen to great music, watch performances and bask in the overall joyous atmosphere.
This year the festivities were no different, as the ceremony had a little bit to offer for everyone.
There was cotton candy and hot chocolate to enjoy as visitors walked around with family and friends.
The events kicked off with music from the Prattville Pops which attracted a big crowd. The Pops group, which originally made their debut at the Prattville Tree Lighting Ceremony in 2002, play concerts all throughout the year. Their upcoming concert on December 13 will be held at the Doster Center at 7 p.m. and will be free to the public.
After the Pops performance came the Prattville Christmas Chorus, which sang an assortment of Christmas Carols. Like the Pops, the Christmas Chorus will also be performing at the Doster Center on the 13 at the same time. The two will be paired for a night of great music!
When the musical performances were over, the dancers began. The Prattville Centre for Performing Arts had their beginner, intermediate, and intermediate two performers all do their dance routines within their individual groups. Families of the performers smiled, waved, and took pictures as they saw their children dance in front of the huge crowd.
The final performance of the night was by CJ’s Dance studio, who had three-to-five-year-olds performing to different Christmas ballads. The crowd ‘ooh’d’ and ‘ahhh’d’ as the young performers showed off their skills, and even showed a snippet of the hit ‘Nutcracker’ musical that the studio will be performing on December 14 at Jeff State Performing Arts Theatre.
After CJ’s performers walked out of the lights, the crowd made their way over the Prattville Christmas Tree which towered high into the night sky. Mayor Bill Gillespie had a few words to say before the Tree was lit.
“Who’s ready to see this tree lit?” Gillespie said with a smile. “I know I am, and I’m sure y’all are too. If this scene isn’t small town, hallmark America, then I don’t know what is.”
As the snow fell from the sky, kids starting lining up to get their picture with Santa, a moment they are sure to never forget. It all truly felt like the magical, Christmas moments that will create memories for a lifetime.
Thank you City of Prattville and all who had a hand in making this event a tremendous success once again!
