Fraser fir lighting brings small sense of normalcy to community

Published 11:12 am Tuesday, November 26, 2024

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BY IVAN SANDERS

STAR CORRESPONDENT

A steady flow of traffic crossed over the Doe River Bridge on Saturday evening – a reminder of the changes left behind after Hurricane Helene.

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However, that couldn’t take away from a few moments of normalcy brought to the community by Carter County Bank, the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department, the Elizabethton Chamber, and Tour Carter County Northeast Tennessee, as the annual Fraser fir tree lighting took place at Covered Bridge Park.

Many gathered at the park, where food trucks offered guests a variety of selections. Santa and Mrs. Claus delighted children and the young at heart, while the stage featured performances by various groups of carolers during the festive event.

Performers included the Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, East Side Elementary ECS School Choir, Happy Valley High School Band, and BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ).

Members of Elizabethton High School’s sociology class, along with their teacher, Alex Campbell, had the honor of signaling for the light switch to be thrown. In addition to the Fraser fir, 10 other trees in the park – donated by Hawk Mountain Tree Farm and Garden Center in Boone, N.C. – were illuminated.

A special presentation on the history of the Fraser fir was delivered by five local students.

Carter County Bank President Andrew McKeehan also recognized award-winning local musician Daniel Grindstaff and his family during the ceremony.