Hundreds of residents gathered anxiously around the Elizabethton Community Christmas Tree Tuesday to see its 27th annual lighting.
Miss Watauga Valley, East Side Elementary 5th graders and the Elizabethton High School choir sang Christmas favorites after the lighting and people enjoyed hot cider provided by Friends of Sycamore Shoals.
The Washington County Regiment of the North Carolina Militia provided a salute.
Angelee Murray, executive director of Red Legacy Recovery lit the tree after much anticipation and a countdown from the crowd.
“We’re very honored to have her light the tree for us this year because of all the work she has done in our community to provide support and resources to women in our community that are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction,” said Tonya Stevens, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.
The fraser fir is a living symbol of unity for the community. Funds for its lights were raised in only ten days by children, STAR readers and businesses. Now, nearly 30 years later, the streets are packed with limited parking and children and families of all ages crowding together to sing cheer for the oncoming holiday season.