Annual Fraser Fir lighting draws hundreds
Published 9:05 am Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Star Photo/Curtis Carden
Joined by representatives of emergency responders in Carter County, Interim Elizabethton Police Chief Jason Shaw and Carter County Sheriff Dexter Lunceford flip the switches to bring Christmas cheer throughout Elizabethton.
Christmas season in Carter County officially got off on the right note Tuesday evening.
With Historic Downtown Elizabethton providing the festive backdrop of Christmas lights, multiple members of first-responding agencies in Carter County and Elizabethton joined together for an annual tradition to flip the switches to illuminate the 78-foot Fraser fir and Christmas lighting atop Lynn Mountain.
“The crowd is still huge year after year,” Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce Director Tonya Stevens said. “After 28 years, we still have a huge crowd. We’ve got the folks that come in early and bring their chairs. It’s a perfect time for families to bring their children down.
“It symbolizes a start to the Christmas season in Carter County,” she added. “It’s that welcome home symbol. The fir and the lights on the mountain get lit simultaneously. For everyone that’s driving during this holiday season, for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s a great way to welcome them back into Carter County.”
Star Photo/Curtis Carden
Hundreds lined throughout downtown Elizabethton to watch the 28th annual lighting of the Fraser Fir.
Tuesday’s event provided a chance for the hundreds in attendance to see the first responders that help assist with day-to-day activities, Stevens said.
“The fact we were able to recognize our first responders … that just has a great significance for the feel of the event,” she added.
Stevens went on to thank the Carter County UT Extension office for allowing the event to take place in front of their facility. Students from UT Extension also provided a special electronic candle ceremony to spread the message of togetherness to attendees.
Hundreds lined up through East Elk Avenue and were serenaded by music from the Elizabethton High School Chorale group, under the direction of Debbie Gouge, Miss Watauga Valley Peyton Wilson and fifth grade students from East Side Elementary School. Along with the songs, the Happy Valley High School trumpeters were able to get into the fun.
Christmas carols filled the chilly air Tuesday as attendees were greeted with hot cider from the Friends of Sycamore Shoals and hot chocolate from Sugar Love Bakery. Ken Markland led the ceremony and provided the history of the event.
“We’re so thankful for everyone that helped with the event,” Stevens said. “And we’re so grateful to see the continued support of this event.”
