Local News - December 2003

Crowds usher in holidays

Tree lighting, parade mark holiday season

By DIANE TURBYFILL, Staff Writer

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Sirens howled and crowds cheered as the annual Lincolnton Christmas parade winded through town Sunday afternoon.

The parade kicked off at 4:30, making its way from Lincolnton High School, around the courthouse and down to Flint Street.

Hundreds lined the streets.

People in the crowd shouted “Merry Christmas” to those waiving from floats.

Seasonal music played from speakers placed beside the community tree.

“It really gets you in the Christmas spirit,” Randal Dyer said.

Dyer and his family sat along Main Street near the courthouse. Regulars at the parade, they complimented the appearance and organization of the event.

“I think the floats looked really nice,” said Elaine Dyer. “And I thought the police department did a good job of keeping the people back.”

Churches, scout troops, dance studios, high school bands and beauty queens took part in the procession that led off with the city police and the JROTC.

Santa Claus concluded the parade, waving and blowing kisses to young children.

The jolly old elf made a more hands-on appearance — giving hugs and posing for pictures — during the tree lighting ceremony that followed the parade.

The Pilot Club’s 43rd Annual Tree Lighting ceremony began as the sun set.

For many, the combined event was a new experience.

Carol Mason, who attends the parade each year, said Sunday was her first time going to the tree lighting.

“We haven’t been before. We’re anxious to see it,” she said.

Barbara Dudley of the Pilot Club spoke to the crowd about the tradition of a community Christmas tree lighting. She shared childhood memories of Thanksgiving weekend.

“The one thing we did … We all got in the car and drove to town to see the lighting of the tree,” she said.

Lincolnton’s tree lighting included singing from students at Battleground Elementary.

A new addition to this year’s tree is a yellow ribbon placed in the center.

“This is a time to think of all our loved ones over in Iraq,” Dudley said.

Brent Turner added to the musical event by playing “What Child Is This?” on the bagpipes, and the choir from Moore’s Chapel AME Zion Church earned applause from the crowd for their performance.

A countdown followed by a resounding “Let there be light!” lit this year’s tree, donated by Jerry and Maxine Keever in memory of Carrell Propst.

The season was officially kicked off to the sound of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and the sight of hundreds of Christmas tree lights.

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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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