Chilly weather wouldn’t deter holiday joy Monday night.

Residents flocked to Roan Mountain Community Park as the Christmas’ season received special recognition during the 32nd anniversary of community park’s tree lighting.

Sponsored by the Roan Mountain Citizens Club, attendees spent the night in fellowship to usher in another year of a worthwhile tradition.

“This is a great way to bring in the holiday season,” said Brian Tipton, Roan Mountain Citizens Club president.” It is a great way for citizens to come together to talk and see each other for the start of the season. We love having the chance to sponsor this event each year and give back to the community.”

Giving back is nothing out of the ordinary for the group. Throughout the year, members orchestrated various fundraisers to pump funding back into groups within community.

Monday night was nothing different with the club provided $1,000 checks to Roan Mountain State Park and the Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.

During the evening, attendees were treated to a host of activities, ranging from area children performing Christmas carols to a performance by the Cloudland High School band. Near the conclusion of the event, Jolly ‘Ol Saint Nick was escorted by the fire department to the stage and met with children as they mentioned the Christmas wishlists.

Prior to the lighting of the tree, event organizers to recognize honorary guest R.A. Burleson.

“R.A. Burleson is one of the original members of the Citizens Club and we wanted to honor him for starting this club,” Tipton said.

Club members presented Burleson with a plaque featuring the authentic logo of the club, which he designed.

With Christmas in full swing on the mountain, Tipton indicated the Citizens Club will go into a winter-planning session as they prepare for the spring and the slew of events on the horizon.

Residents wanting to learn more about the club and their activities can visit roanmountain.com or the club’s Facebook page.