Hot apple cider with a side of Christmas cheer

Community gathers for the 4^th annual Tree Lighting ceremony

Allyson Dix

Jobe Publishing, Inc.

 

Families, friends, and residents gathered at the Edmonton City Hall parking lot for the fourth annual tree lighting ceremony of the Christmas Tree that sits in front of the building last Sunday evening.

Once the sun went down, Edmonton Mayor Doug Smith flipped the switch illuminating hundreds of large lights wrapped around the giant tree.

Chilly temps didn’t stop many from attending while sipping on hot apple cider and divulging in sweet treats provided by the mayor’s office.

The Hornets’ Nest Pickers provided live music with a variety of seasonal songs, some of which were a cappella style Christmas carols. Attendees sometimes sang along with the band.

Earlier in the day, the Edmonton Metcalfe Chamber of Commerce hosted a “Shop around the Square” event and during the tree lighting ceremony, Mayor Smith drew shoppers’ names for winners of Metcalfe Money. Winners from the drawing were $50 winners Lola Curry, Alicia Beasley, and Mike Welsh; $100 winners Rory Bragg and Rose Saltsman.

Despite the hot cider and winter coats, the warmth of a hometown Christmas event is enough to warm the coldest of hearts and join together members of the community in a time of joy and cheer to celebrate for all to hear. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is no exception!