By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
The Christmas season officially arrived in Falkville on Sunday afternoon as more than 125 residents braved freezing temperatures to participate in the10th annual Christmas in the Park celebration.
Sponsored by Falkville Community Pride, the event was held in Jack McCaig Memorial Park and featured a flag raising, ceremony, music and songs of the season, lighting of the community Christmas tree and hot chocolate and cookies for everyone.
Emcee Jim Grissom welcomed visitors and recognized five members of Falkville Community Pride for their leadership in having a new sign installed at the park, decorating the town for Christmas and planning and coordinating Christmas in the Park.
Those recognized were Tina Rogers, president, Ginny Williams, Bonnie Thompson, Karen Stinson and Francis Rowe.
Following an invocation by Milan Dekich, pastor of Fairview Church of God, members of Cub Scout Pack #5 raised a new U.S. Flag,, which was donated by the Falkville DAV Chapter, and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pack members participating were Jacob Lockamy, Drake Hamilton, Sammie Andrews, Cody Douthit, Ryan Free, Spencer Rutherford and Thomas Freeman. They were led by Shawn Hamilton, cubmaster.
Eleven Falkville High School band members, who were identified as the Christmas ensemble, played several Christmas carols, including “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” and “Let It Snow.” The ensemble consisted of Kristina Nicholson, Sarah Lockamy, Jimmy McComb, Jordan Tyler, Frankie Millious, Aaron Williams, Eric Huff, Travis Cryer, Diana Holt, Crystal Carver and Athena Kirkpatrick. They were directed by Bradley Phillips.
The Children’s Choir from Fairview Church of God entertained with a medley of religious songs with a Christmas theme. They were followed by Emily Williams who read the poem “Lighting of a Christmas Tree.” Next, Jacob Lockamy and Drake Hamilton shared the honor of lighting the park’s 20-ft. live Christmas tree.
Soloist David Halbrooks closed the program with his rendition of “Silent Night,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “O Holy Night.”