An estimated 100 children and another 100 adults were on hand for the third annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting Thursday evening at the courthouse in Jefferson.
The event was hosted by Jefferson Matters: Main Street. Children received glow sticks and everyone received a coupon for a Christmas cookie at Homestead Coffee and Bakery. The bell choir from the First Untied Methodist Church played seasonal music, some special sugar plum fairies danced around the tree, and Jerry Roberts used his best radio voice in reading “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Emcee for the event was Don Van Gilder.
After the tree lighting, Santa Claus talked with children at the top of the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower and carolers in Victorian costumes sang at the Thomas Jefferson Gardens.